The Balearic Government has designated nine Official Observation Areas (ZOO) in seven municipalities of Mallorca so that citizens can view the solar eclipse next month. Palma, Calvià, Llucmajor, Algaida, Felanitx, Porreres, and Petra will host the locations with a total estimated capacity of 300,000 people across the archipelago.
The Balearic Government has established nine Official Observation Areas (ZOO) spread across seven municipalities in Mallorca to allow citizens to enjoy next month's solar eclipse with all safety guarantees. The Director of Emergencies and Interior of the Balearic Islands, Pablo Gárriz, explained that the aim was not only to find the locations with the best visibility of the phenomenon but also those spaces that met the necessary conditions for the public to observe it without risks.
Selection Criteria: Visibility, Accessibility, and Capacity
The ZOO have been chosen based on three main criteria: the visibility of the eclipse, accessibility for attendees, and hosting capacity. Additionally, the possibility of emergency services' intervention has been considered, a key factor in ensuring the safety of the thousands of people expected to attend these locations.
In total, there are nine official areas across Mallorca, while the entire Balearic Islands have 26 points, with an approximate capacity of 300,000 people. According to Gárriz, they are still working on adjusting the exact figure, but the arrangements are practically finalised.
Observation Points in Mallorca
The nine designated spaces on the island are: Maioris, the parking area of the MA-3220 in Petra, the stretch between Maioris and Tolleric, the football fields of Pina and Algaida, Santa Ponça beach, the Porreres ring road, Platja de Palma, and the Son Matamoros circuit. These points are distributed among the municipalities of Palma, Calvià, Llucmajor, Algaida, Felanitx, Porreres, and Petra.
The largest capacity will be at the Son Matamoros circuit, which can accommodate 70,453 people. This is followed by Platja de Palma (47,818), the Porreres ring road (10,781), Santa Ponça beach (8,477), Algaida football field (6,231), Pina football field (5,731), the stretch from Maioris to Tolleric (4,749), the MA-3220 parking area in Petra (2,775), and Maioris (667).
Recommendations for Attendees
The Government has reiterated the same message in recent weeks: the best way to enjoy the eclipse is to avoid unnecessary travel. Therefore, they recommend that citizens go to the area closest to their home and plan their visit in advance, considering that access may be controlled and a large influx of people is expected.
Additionally, authorities remind that it is essential to protect your eyesight with special glasses approved for solar observation, as looking directly at the eclipse can cause irreversible damage to the retina. It is also recommended to bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing, and to follow the instructions of emergency services and volunteers present at each location at all times.
For the residents of Mallorca, this astronomical event represents a unique opportunity, as the next total eclipse visible from the island will not occur for several decades. By establishing these official areas, the Government aims to ensure that the experience is safe and memorable for all attendees.
Interested individuals can consult the website set up by the Government for updated information on the observation points, recommended times, and access rules. The advice is clear: arrive early, respect the guidelines, and enjoy the spectacle responsibly.
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