Rare Sky Show Over Lanzarote: Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower to Light Up the Island on 12 August
Visitors and residents in Lanzarote are in for an unforgettable evening on Wednesday, 12 August, as two of the year’s most spectacular astronomical events take place within hours of each other.
A partial solar eclipse will be visible from the island in the evening, followed later that night by the peak of the Perseid meteor shower. The combination of these two events, together with a new moon, means conditions for stargazing are expected to be among the best seen in years.
What will happen in Lanzarote?
The evening begins with a partial solar eclipse, which reaches its maximum at around 7:30pm local time in Lanzarote. Although the island will not experience totality, a significant portion of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, creating an impressive sunset spectacle.
Later, once darkness falls, attention turns to the sky again as the Perseid meteor shower reaches its annual peak.
The Perseids are widely regarded as one of the best meteor showers of the year, famous for producing bright “shooting stars” and occasional spectacular fireballs streaking across the night sky. Under ideal conditions, observers can see dozens of meteors each hour.
Why this year is extra special
Meteor showers are always best viewed when there is little or no moonlight.
This year, the eclipse coincides with a new moon, meaning the Moon won’t brighten the night sky after sunset. That creates exceptionally dark conditions, allowing even fainter meteors to become visible.
Astronomers describe this as one of the best opportunities in years to enjoy the Perseids.
What time is the best time to watch the meteor shower?
Although the Perseid meteor shower will be active throughout the night, the best viewing in Lanzarote is expected from around 11:00pm onwards, with the peak display likely between 2:00am and 4:30am on the morning of Thursday, 13 August.
Thanks to this year’s new moon, the skies will be exceptionally dark, giving stargazers one of the best opportunities in years to spot shooting stars. Under ideal conditions, up to 100 meteors per hour could be visible.
For the best experience, head to a location away from street lighting, such as La Geria, Famara, the Timanfaya area or the Mirador del Río, and give your eyes 20 to 30 minutes to adjust to the darkness. No telescope is needed – simply lie back, look up and enjoy the show.
Best places to watch in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is already recognised for its dark skies, making it an excellent destination for astronomy.
Some of the island’s best viewing spots include:
- Timanfaya National Park surroundings
- Famara cliffs and beaches
- La Geria wine region
- Mirador del Río area
- Rural inland villages away from street lighting
Wherever you choose, try to avoid towns and bright artificial lighting for the best experience.
Safety first during the eclipse
If you’re planning to watch the eclipse, remember that you should never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe and can cause permanent eye damage.
Once the Sun has completely set, no special equipment is needed to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower—just find a dark location, allow your eyes around 20 minutes to adjust, and look up.
A fantastic night for tourists and residents
Whether you’re visiting Lanzarote on holiday or live on the island year-round, 12 August promises to be one of the most memorable nights of 2026.
With a dramatic sunset eclipse followed by one of the world’s best meteor showers under beautifully dark skies, it’s the perfect excuse to head outdoors and enjoy one of nature’s greatest free shows.
