On 12 August, people across mainland Portugal will be able to watch the solar eclipse. While parts of northeast Portugal are expected to experience a total eclipse, the Algarve will see around 92 to 93% of the Sun covered by the Moon. Even so, it won't get completely dark.

Lagos Ciência Viva Centre states that the last total solar eclipse visible from Portuguese territory took place in 1912, while the next one of this kind is not expected until 2144.

To mark the occasion, the Ciência Viva centres in Lagos, Faro and Tavira are organising public viewing sessions across the Algarve, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to observe the eclipse safely using specially filtered telescopes and certified eclipse glasses.

Where to watch the eclipse

Several locations across the region will host free observation sessions on 12 August.

In Lagos, activities will take place at Barragem da Bravura from 6pm, while another event will be held in Almodôvar at the Ermida de Santo Amaro from 6:30 pm.

The Algarve Ciência Viva Centre will host observations at Parque Ribeirinho de Faro from 6 pm and at Paderne Castle in Albufeira from 4 pm.

Meanwhile, the Tavira Ciência Viva Centre will organise viewing sessions at Praia do Arraial, Praia do Barril and Praça da República in Tavira, all beginning at 6.30pm.

A rare sight, but not safe to watch without protection

Although more than 90% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, experts warn that looking directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection can still cause permanent eye damage.

During the event, the Sun will appear as a thin crescent rather than disappearing completely, meaning there will still be enough sunlight to make direct observation dangerous.

Visitors attending the organised events will be able to use telescopes fitted with solar filters, certified eclipse glasses and projection techniques that allow the eclipse to be viewed safely.

Astronomy events continue throughout the summer

The eclipse is just one part of a wider programme of astronomy activities taking place across the Algarve over the coming weeks.

The Ciência Viva centres in Lagos, Faro and Tavira have organised dozens of public events throughout August and into September, including guided stargazing sessions, solar observations, talks and family-friendly workshops.

Among the upcoming events are astronomy evenings in Sagres, Lagoa, Alvor, Loulé, Albufeira and Faro, as well as regular solar observation sessions and night sky experiences along the Algarve coast.

Organisers hope the programme will encourage more people to discover astronomy and take advantage of the region's clear summer skies while learning more about the night sky and the Solar System.