Starlight

When watching a solar eclipse we can make many different decisions. It is possible to see it within the range of totality or to “conform” with partiality. We have the option of looking only at the Sun or delighting in the changes happening around us. We can even see it directly, with approved glassesor indirectly, with a pinhole camera. But if there is something that makes a lot of difference when it comes to seeing one of these spectacles that astronomy gives us, it is a sky free of light pollution. At least, as free as possible. Therefore, the Starlight reservations and destinations They are ideal places for those who want to see the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. What are Starlight certifications? The Starlight Seal is delivered to spaces in which a commitment has been established to defend the quality of the night sky and access to starlight. The decision to deliver these certifications was made at the 2009 meeting of the Starlight Initiative of the ‘Working Group on Reserves and World Heritage’ organized by UNESCO, with the support of the International Union of Astronomy and the World Tourism Organization. There are different types of Starlight certifications, although the two most common are Starlight reserves and Starlight tourist destinations. Normally, the first is delivered to natural spaces and consists, in turn, of three defined zones: Core zone: Where the natural lighting conditions and sharpness of the night sky are kept intact. Buffer zone: It surrounds the core zone and cushions possible adverse effects that may deteriorate the quality of your night sky. These zones may include small human settlements and activity areas. General area area: It consists of the general use area in which population settlements are located that can influence the evolution of the quality of the night sky of the entire reserve. With respect to Starlight tourist destinations, they are visitable places that have very good qualities for contemplating the starry skies and that, being protected from light pollution, become ideal places to carry out astrotourism activities. Beyond these two types, even towns and cities, parks, landscapes, trails, campsites and hotels and rural houses can also receive the Starlight seal independently. What are the Starlight destinations and reservations in Spain? Starligh certification is not at all easy to obtain. The requirements are very strict, so there are few natural sites and destinations that have it around the world. In the case of Spain, we have more than 70 destinations and more than 20 Starlight reservations. The largest reserve in the world is Sierra Morenain Andalusia, with more than 400,000 hectares distributed among 57 municipalities and six natural parks. But Sierra Morena is not in the zone of totality of the solar eclipse. We will be able to enjoy its skies during partiality. It is also a good plan for people from the south who do not want to travel too far. However, it is worth knowing the places with said certification that are within the totality range. What are the Starlight destinations to see the solar eclipse? Within the solar eclipse totality band there are 31 Starlight destinations. The greatest concentration of these destinations is in the autonomous communities of Galicia, Navarra and Aragón, although there are also other points scattered throughout the rest of the autonomous communities that make up said strip. Some of the Starlight destinations contain activities of interest for the eclipse, such as the ringing of bells that will ring in the Navarrese town of Lerín or the activities for the whole family at the observatory Borobia, in Soria. In addition, it should be noted that the Allande area, in Asturias, is the Starlight destination where the totality will last the longest, with 1 minute and 48 seconds. If you have questions about the place where you are going to see the solar eclipse and want to know if it has the Starlight destination seal, You can see it on our interactive map. Above all, remember not only to look for Starlight destinations, but also observation points clear of mountains, buildings or trees in the west, since that is where the Sun will be seen at the time the eclipse will take place. Image | Magnificent In Xataka | The trio of eclipses that await Spain on the horizon: an unprecedented and historic chain between 2026 and 2028