Solar eclipse followed by meteor shower: Portugal prepares to watch two rare events

Today the national team is not playing, the prime minister is not addressing the nation, there are no press conferences about COVID-19, but the country will still come to a standstill at the same time to look at the same thing: the total solar eclipse.

At around 19:30, in the Bragança region, a total solar eclipse will occur, meaning day will briefly turn into night as the Sun is covered by the Moon. As well as darkening, ambient noise decreases, the temperature changes and many more shadows appear.

It will be an astronomical spectacle nobody will want to miss, not least because it is extremely rare, and the last total eclipse visible from mainland Portugal took place in 1912.

But the eclipse will not be the only phenomenon to amaze skywatchers tonight. From 21:30 on Wednesday, roughly an hour after the eclipse ends over mainland Portugal, a meteor shower will also take place. These meteors, known as Perseids, leave a trail of light as they cross the atmosphere.

This is an annual meteor shower, usually active from mid-July until the end of August. Its peak generally occurs around 12 and 13 August.

Because the Moon will be almost new, the sky will be very dark and conditions will be especially favourable for observing the phenomenon. However, for the best possible viewing experience, experts recommend finding a dark location with an unobstructed horizon.

Activity should increase between midnight and 02:00, but the most favourable period to try to spot the greatest number of meteors will be between 02:00 and 05:00 in the early hours of the 13th, when the constellation Perseus, the point from which the meteors appear to radiate, climbs higher in the sky.

The best places to watch the event are Dark Sky Alqueva in the Alentejo, the world's first certified dark-sky territory; in the north, the Montesinho and Bragança area in Trás-os-Montes; Serra da Estrela, Peneda-Gerês or any high, remote area in the interior, away from towns and villages.

For an even more exciting experience, a few tricks also help: it is essential to avoid looking at screens for 20 to 30 minutes beforehand so that your eyes can adapt to the darkness and focus on the meteor shower.

Back to the eclipse: Euronews has compiled everything you need to know about the event:

What is a solar eclipse?

The astronomical phenomenon known as an "eclipse" occurs when one celestial body blocks the light from another. In the case of a solar eclipse, the Moon partially or totally obscures the Sun's light, producing what is known as the "diamond ring", which lasts only a few seconds.

Where can I see the eclipse?

The eclipse will be visible across the entire country, although it will not look the same in all regions. The total eclipse, corresponding to 100%, will be visible only in the Montesinho Natural Park, in Bragança.

The deep partial eclipse, with 92% to 99% coverage, can be observed throughout mainland Portugal.

On the islands, the Azores and Madeira, the percentage is much lower, between 74% and 77%.

It is advisable to watch the moment from an open space, without many buildings in front.

What time will it happen?

The eclipse will begin at 18:33 and end at 20:23, lasting around two hours. Maximum coverage will be reached close to 19:30. The totality phase lasts just 25 seconds.

Can I watch it without protection?

No! You must never look directly at the Sun during the event. There is only one safe way to watch the eclipse: by using special glasses designed for solar viewing. The event must not be watched with ordinary sunglasses, telescopes or with the naked eye, as it can cause eye damage. Direct sunlight does not cause immediate pain but can burn the retina, with later consequences such as permanent loss of vision.

The organisations responsible also warn about the use of cameras and mobile phones, which can likewise be damaged if used without appropriate filters.

In Portugal, ZEISS launched a campaign offering free eclipse glasses across the country. All you had to do was go to an optician in the Club de Visão network after registering in advance. However, the initiative was limited to existing stock and it is no longer possible to obtain them free of charge.

You can buy eclipse glasses, but the optics community highlights several features you need to check to make sure you are purchasing the right model. The glasses must bear ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015 certification for solar observation, as well as the CE marking printed on the frame. They must also ensure the blocking of UV and IR rays and intense visible light. They should be pre-fabricated and ready to use, with no assembly required.

You can buy the glasses in pharmacies, some supermarkets and online shops such as Astroshop, Telescopiomania, ESTUDIOPT, Aff Camera Store or Sol & Salvo, which sell these glasses for between €2.90 and €3.25 per unit. These shops also offer packs for families or groups of friends.

Are there places where I can watch it with other people?

Yes. On the platform https://eclipse2026.pt (source in Portuguese) hundreds of activities taking place on the day of the eclipse are listed. Some are already fully booked because they required prior registration. Even so, here are a few of these initiatives, from the north to the south of the country, where you can still try to take part free of charge:

• Faro and Albufeira

Promoted by the Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve, there will be guided sessions to observe the partial solar eclipse in Faro and Albufeira. In Faro, the event will take place in Parque Ribeirinho from 18:30. Admission is free and the minimum age for participants is 12.

In Albufeira, it will be held in the parish of Paderne, at the parish castle. Entry is free and the event will continue into the night with observations of the Perseid meteor shower.

• Tavira

1. "Solar Eclipse and Night-time Observation of Celestial Objects"

Organised by the Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira in partnership with Tavira municipality, it will take place in Praça da República. Admission is free and the minimum age is 3.

"During the activity, there will be a brief explanation of how solar eclipses form and conversations will be promoted about the importance of scientific research and observing the sky," the organisers say.

1. "Solar Eclipse at Praia do Arraial" and "Solar Eclipse at Praia do Barril"

Both events are organised by the Centro Ciência Viva de Tavira and are free to attend. They start at 18:30, but you are advised to arrive a little earlier. At Praia do Arraial, the minimum age for participation is 5. At Praia do Barril, it is 3.

• Oeiras The partial solar eclipse can also be watched from Santo Amaro beach in Oeiras, where the phenomenon is expected to reach around 95%.

The event is organised by the local council, which has planned a festive afternoon starting at 16:00, combining a summer party atmosphere with observation of the eclipse.

Alongside a DJ set, a large screen will be installed to show the eclipse live, allowing everyone to follow it without risking their eyesight. The session will be accompanied by explanations of what is being seen.

• Enxara do Bispo (Mafra)

"When the sky darkens: Understanding the Solar Eclipse and how to observe it safely" is one of the initiatives taking place in the late afternoon of the 12th. It is organised by the Associação Astronómica Horizonte Estelar, with the meeting point set for the churchyard at 17:00. The event lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. Before the eclipse, there will be a theoretical introduction to the phenomenon and, during it, explanations will be provided to participants. The minimum age to take part is 6.

• Porto

"Solar Eclipse 2026 at Time Out Market Porto" is organised by the market, which is inviting everyone to gather in the outdoor square, with a privileged view of the Clérigos Tower. The event starts at 18:00 and runs for 3 hours.

The organisation says that "to mark the occasion, a themed cocktail called 'Eclipse' has been created. When you buy this cocktail, you will be given a pair of glasses for solar observation, while stocks last".

• Vila do Conde

Organised by the Centro Ciência Viva de Vila do Conde, the eclipse can be observed in a group from the seafront promenade opposite the Farol restaurant. Admission is free and the event starts at 16:00. The minimum recommended age to observe the phenomenon is 6.

There are also private initiatives, organised by groups of friends on social media pages. Check whether any are being organised in your area.