2026 is no ordinary year for the skies of the Canary Islands. We are facing a historic calendar marked by the solar eclipse of August.
At Discover Experience, we want you to enjoy the sky like a pro. Although our telescope observations take place year-round, here's what's happening in the coming months.
☀️ The Big Event: Solar Eclipse (August 12, 2026)
This is the day circled in red on the astronomical calendar. On August 12, 2026, Spain will experience a total solar eclipse. In Tenerife, we will be privileged witnesses as the Moon obscures the Sun at sunset; although visibility will be partial from our location, the spectacle will be unforgettable.
- Horarios clave en Tenerife:
- Inicio: 18:58 h.
- Máximo: 19:53 h (Magnitud 0.75 a una altura de 10,6º).
- Fin: 20:45 h.
- What will happen on Mount Teide? A massive influx of locals and visitors is expected to enjoy this phenomenon. Therefore, due to anticipated traffic and security restrictions, we will not be offering stargazing tours on the night of August 12th. That night the National Park will be completely overcrowded, and the experience will lose its most important element: the tranquility of the night sky.
👉 If you prefer to enjoy Teide at night, without crowds and with professional telescopes, you can book your experience and secure your place on any other date of the year.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Solar Eclipse in Tenerife
What exact time does the eclipse start in Tenerife? It will begin at 18:58 h, reach its maximum at 19:53 h and end at 20:45 h.
Will the total eclipse be visible from Teide? No. In Tenerife it will be partial (magnitude 0.75), but it will still be one of the best places in the Canary Islands to observe it due to its altitude and sky quality.
Can you look at the eclipse without special glasses? Never. Looking directly at the sun can cause permanent damage to the retina. It is essential to use certified eclipse glasses or appropriate solar filters.
Why is Mount Teide the best place to see it? At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the "sea of clouds" is avoided. Furthermore, the low humidity and clear skies allow for exceptional visibility.
Will there be traffic restrictions in the National Park? Yes, authorities are expected to regulate access due to the massive influx. For safety and organizational reasons, Discover Experience will not be operating stargazing tours that specific night.
Calendar of Events for the rest of 2026 in Tenerife
If you're looking to enjoy the sky with the peace and professionalism that characterizes us, these are the key dates when our regular routes take on a special value.
The Eta Aquarids (May): The awakening of the Milky Way
During May, the Milky Way begins to take center stage in the sky. It's a perfect time for those seeking clear skies and more intimate observations, ideal for discovering star clusters and early galactic structures.
Delta Aquariids (July): The splendor of astronomical summer
July offers stable, warm nights with excellent clarity. It's one of the best times to observe the galactic center and objects like the Lagoon Nebula or the Hercules Cluster.
The Geminids (December): The most intense and colorful meteor shower
With peaks of up to 120 meteors per hour, the Geminids are the most spectacular meteor shower. Furthermore, the cold, dry winter air in Tenerife allows for exceptional clarity when observing planets and galaxies.
About Meteor Showers:
It is important to note that at Discover Experience we do not carry out specific "star shower observation" activities.
The reason? Meteors are unpredictable events and don't always provide a consistent spectacle. We don't want to sell a service that depends on luck.
We maintain our professional astronomy tours on their scheduled dates. Our main goal is to show you the deep universe (galaxies, nebulae, and planets) using high-end telescopes and astrophotography.
The best part? If your booking coincides with the peak nights of a meteor shower and conditions are right, we'll enjoy watching the meteors streak across the sky together as an extra gift from nature, while always maintaining the high standard of our guided observation.
Are you planning to visit Mount Teide in 2026?
Due to the high interest in the eclipse, demand for the rest of the year is unusually high. We recommend booking in advance to secure your place in our small groups.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about astronomical observation in Tenerife
Is it possible to enjoy Mount Teide even when there isn't an active meteor shower? Absolutely! Although we don't operate during the peak of certain mass events (like August 12th) out of respect for service quality and safety, Mount Teide is still there and spectacular on all other nights of the year. In fact, without the crowds of mass events, the experience is much more authentic and professional.
How can I avoid the crowds at astronomical events? Our expert advice is to avoid the nights of the peak events. If you book on the nights before or after the major events, the sky will look virtually the same, you'll see meteors more peacefully, and you'll enjoy the absolute tranquility of the National Park.
What makes Discover Experience different from a conventional stargazing experience? We don't just stare at white dots. On our tours, we'll show you the deep universe with high-end telescopes and digital technology. Plus, each of our outings includes free digital souvenirs: you'll take home completely free, professional images of the astronomical objects observed during your tour.
