The municipality of San Lorenzo de El Escorial is preparing to host an exceptional solar eclipse on August 12th, an event that adds to its Patron Saint Festivities program. The City Council has designed a series of informative, educational, and family-oriented proposals to bring astronomy closer to residents and visitors.
On August 11th and 12th, an information point will be set up in the Juan de Selgas roundabout, opposite the Casita del Infante. This booth, open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, will distribute certified glasses for safe solar eclipse observation, explanatory brochures, and details about the scheduled activities. It will also feature a themed photo booth and informational panels about the phenomenon.
As part of the family offerings, the “Eclipse Explorers” gymkhana will be held, a fun activity to learn about astronomy. The necessary brochure for participation can be collected at the Tourist Office and the information booth.
The August 11th program includes the children's workshop “Build Your Solar System” at 6:00 PM in the Casa de la Juventud, which requires prior registration by calling 91 890 53 13. In parallel, at the same venue, the conference “Basic Concepts of the Eclipse, Safety, and Historical Eclipses in Spain” will be held, with free entry until full capacity.
On the day of the eclipse, August 12th, younger attendees can enjoy an astronomical face-painting activity at the Juan de Selgas information booth, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
The City Council emphasizes the importance of safety when observing the sun, advising against the use of conventional sunglasses and recommending special eclipse glasses conforming to the EN ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, telescopes or binoculars with certified solar filters, or following official broadcasts.
This solar eclipse on August 12th will be the first total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula since 1905. The path of totality will cross the northern part of the Community of Madrid, lasting between 30 and 90 seconds, with an obscuration of up to 70%.
