Total Lunar Eclipse: Evening Tips for Observers on Mallorca

Red moon over Mallorca: Two good viewpoints and what to keep in mind

When the moon slowly turns red in the evening, it's worth taking a short break from everyday life. The local group AstroMallorca invites people from 8:00 PM for free observations on the Puig de Santa Magdalena in Inca and at the fortress Es Fortí in Cala d'Or. There are short introductions by amateur and professional astronomers – ideal for the curious who don't have the phases memorized but want to experience the sky, or read about other moon events such as the Supermoon over Majorca: On November 5 it's worth looking up.

Important times and what happens

The events start promptly at 8:00 PM. At around 8:08 PM the phase begins that many call the "blood moon": the Earth's shadow gives the lunar disk a reddish tint. Important to know: the moon is still very low on the horizon at first. If you want to watch or photograph in peace, arrive early — otherwise buildings, trees or parked buses might block the view.

Practical island tips for the evening

From past years Mallorcans have collected a few practical tips: parking at popular viewpoints fills up quickly. Better to arrive earlier, carpool or come by bike if possible. Binoculars add more atmosphere than a smartphone alone; a camera on a tripod is useful if you want to capture details. Smartphones take nice snapshots, but they pale next to a steady tripod.

Bring a small headlamp or torch with a red-light mode — it protects your eyes and helps with camera exposure work. A light jacket is recommended: evenings can cool down unexpectedly, especially if a light Tramuntana wind blows and the air smells of pine and salty sea. Comfortable shoes, a water bottle and a thermos with warm tea are useful. And very important: respect barriers and the organizers' instructions, especially at historic sites like Es Fortí.

Why Puig de Santa Magdalena and Es Fortí?

The Puig de Santa Magdalena offers an unobstructed view over the central plain — ideal when the moon is low to begin with. At Es Fortí in Cala d'Or there is nothing to obstruct the view: clear sea horizons, the smell of the sea, the soft clatter of boats in the bay and often less light pollution than near settlements. Both places are popular because you can observe the moon without many obstacles.

Final notes before you set off

The weather decides in the end: clouds could obscure the spectacle, so check the local weather forecast shortly before you leave. If you come with children: explain beforehand that the event progresses slowly and requires patience — a warm drink and a small pair of binoculars help keep their curiosity alive. When the moon then slowly turns red, arriving early pays off: it's these quiet moments, the chirring of crickets, the scent of pine and the red disk in the sky, that linger long after.

So: pack your bag, leave earlier and bring a little patience; if you enjoy larger sky phenomena, see the Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Opportunities, Risks and How Mallorca Should Prepare. The evening on the hill or at the fortress can become a small island story you'll happily pass on over the next café con leche.