Night-sky observation from the open sea, a public science talk on the eclipse under these conditions, guidance on safe eclipse viewing and even the possibility of telescope observations from a vessel, weather permitting, are among the activities that are being organised for the solar eclipse on 12 August, led by astronomers from the University of Valencia (UV). Observing from the open sea will also provide experts with an exceptional vantage point, offering optimal coordinates for eclipse visibility and an unobstructed marine horizon free from terrestrial features.
The programme of activities, which will also include a range of science popularisation activities specially designed for children, is the result of a collaboration agreement signed between Trasmed, the Spanish shipping company of the Grimaldi Group, and the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Valencia. The agreement will make it possible to observe the solar eclipse from the open sea aboard a scheduled ferry operating between Valencia and Ibiza, allowing members of the public to experience the event while learning more about it.
"The main objective is to carry out science popularisation activities around the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, with the aim of bringing scientific knowledge closer to the public and highlighting the value of the scientific research carried out at our university", says Pablo Cerdá, director of the UV Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. He adds that the initiative also represents "an opportunity to strengthen the university's public profile across the Valencian society and enhance public recognition by bringing our work closer to a general audience".
Eight researchers from the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics will take part in the programme. Seven of them will be aboard the Ciudad de Granada, including Michael Gabler, a lecturer in the department, who will lead the activities at sea, together with two postdoctoral researchers and four predoctoral researchers. The team has advised Trasmed on the vessel's timetable and route to ensure optimal eclipse viewing. At the time of the eclipse, the Sun will be very low above the Valencian coast, and if the ferry followed its standard route, it would remain directly ahead of the vessel, preventing passengers from observing the eclipse from the upper deck.
Activities on board during the outward crossing from Valencia to Ibiza on 11 August will include a family astronomy quiz lasting between 45 minutes and one hour, followed by a night-time observation session of the sky and constellations from the ship's upper deck. On 12 August, during the return journey to Valencia, the programme will feature a public talk on eclipses with a question-and-answer session from 6.00 p.m. to 6.50 p.m., followed by preparations for observing the eclipse at 7.00 p.m. Guided observation of the partial eclipse will take place between 7.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m., followed by guided observation of totality at 8.30 p.m. Throughout the voyage, children will also be able to enjoy astronomy-themed crossword puzzles as a self-guided activity.
"For just over a minute, we will experience the same overwhelming sensation that countless people witnessed over the past millennia", says Pablo Cerdá. "Daylight will give way to a deep twilight, we will notice a drop in temperature, and we will be able to see the elusive solar corona – the Sun's outer atmosphere – a spectacular phenomenon of great scientific interest that can only be observed with the naked eye during the total phase of a solar eclipse".
Enhancing the travel experience
Jana Peiró, Trasmed's Passenger and Marketing director, comments: "At Trasmed, we are constantly looking for new ways to enrich our passengers' travel experience. The solar eclipse on 12 August offers a unique opportunity to witness an unrepeatable event, transforming our vessel, the Ciudad de Granada, into a genuine observatory at sea from which to observe one of the most remarkable astronomical phenomena of the decade. Collaborating with the University of Valencia also enables us to provide an experience underpinned by the highest standards of scientific accuracy and educational rigour".
This initiative reflects the shared commitment of Trasmed and the University of Valencia to developing projects that combine science communication, knowledge sharing and travel experiences. Although the current agreement is limited to the eclipse, Trasmed has expressed its willingness to extend the partnership in the future, establishing broader collaboration with the UV to deliver science popularisation and research activities aboard its Balearic ferry services, not only in astronomy but also in other fields, such as nature observation.
