Iberia Will Stream Spain’s Eclipse From Above the Clouds
Iberia will operate a one-off flight on 12 August to observe Spain’s total solar eclipse and broadcast it live online. The aircraft will travel above the clouds as the Moon’s shadow crosses the Iberian Peninsula, giving scientists a clearer view of the solar corona. Researchers from the Shelios project will be on board, while the public can follow the flight online.
What to Know About Iberia’s Eclipse Flight
- Airline and flight: Iberia IB1473
- Date: 12 August 2026
- Departure: Madrid-Barajas at 18:45
- Flight plan: Madrid round trip over the province of Palencia
- Aircraft: Airbus A321XLR
- Viewing altitude: More than 10,000 metres
- Purpose: Observe and livestream the total solar eclipse
- Scientific team: Researchers from the Shelios project
- How to watch: Live on Iberia’s social media channels
- Broadcast connection: High-speed Starlink Wi-Fi
- Stream details: The platform and broadcast start time have not yet been announced
Flight IB1473 is named after 1473, the birth year of astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. The research team will use clearer conditions at cruising altitude to study the shape of the Sun and its corona, with less interference from clouds and lower-atmosphere effects. Iberia says the view may also reveal Venus, Mercury and some stars close to the Sun while the aircraft follows the eclipse.
The livestream will allow viewers outside the path of totality, or those unable to travel, to follow the eclipse from above the clouds. It will be carried through Iberia’s social media channels using Starlink-powered Wi-Fi on board. On the ground, totality will cross parts of northern Spain, Iceland, Greenland and a small area of Portugal, while much of Europe will see a partial eclipse.
“We are very pleased to collaborate in an initiative that brings together aviation, science and innovation. This flight will allow us to take advantage of the benefits offered by observing from cruising altitude to contribute to the study of an exceptional astronomical phenomenon."
Iberia has not yet named the platform or start time for the broadcast, so viewers should check the airline’s verified social accounts on 12 August. Anyone planning to watch outdoors in Spain should still confirm the exact path, local weather and sunset visibility. Eclipse glasses remain essential whenever any part of the Sun is visible, including before and after the brief total phase.