How the spot finder works
The tool resolves one location, calculates the next visible eclipse once, then retrieves mapped viewpoints and open-terrain features inside the selected radius. Candidate scores reuse the same eclipse calculation, which keeps the search fast and consistent.
Every result card shows terrain type, distance, eclipse coverage, cloud forecast when available, and the Sun's altitude and direction. The score helps compare candidates, but it does not confirm public access or safe conditions on the ground.
What the score measures
| Signal | Why it matters | Used in score |
|---|---|---|
| Eclipse coverage | More of the solar disc is hidden | Yes |
| Sun altitude | A higher Sun is less easily blocked | Yes |
| Terrain profile | Viewpoints and open horizons are prioritised | Yes |
| Distance | Closer options are easier to reach | Yes |
| Weather | Cloud can decide the final view | Yes, inside the reliable forecast window |
Terrain types we prioritise
- Mapped viewpoints: places recorded as viewpoints and usually intended to provide a wide view.
- Summits and observation towers: potentially broad sightlines, but access and opening hours need checking.
- Cliffs and capes: useful coastal horizons, with extra care required around exposed edges.
- Beaches: potentially useful for open horizons, but shade, access, tides and crowd capacity still need checking.
Why the horizon matters worldwide
The 2 August 2027 total eclipse crosses southern Spain, North Africa and Arabia. Solar altitude and direction differ by location, so the same terrain type is not equally useful everywhere.
Use the ranked list as a starting point, open the map, check the exact sightline and visit the location beforehand at a similar time of day. Never enter private land and always keep a safe alternative nearby.
Data, privacy and limits
Address lookup happens only after you submit the form. Results are cached to reduce requests to OpenStreetMap services. The tool does not continuously track your position and does not require browser geolocation.
Inside the short-range forecast window, the score includes the latest hourly cloud forecast from Open-Meteo. If that provider is temporarily unavailable, the tool falls back to astronomy and terrain rather than hiding every result. Forecasts still change, so check again before travelling.
Sources and methodology
Dates, paths and safety guidance use the references below. Local timings are rounded calculations for the stated reference points; recalculate your exact observing location.
- OpenStreetMap: map and terrain data ↗Mapped viewpoints, peaks, beaches, capes and other terrain candidates.
- Open-Meteo: hourly weather forecast API ↗Short-range hourly cloud-cover data when the event is inside the forecast window.
- NASA GSFC: Besselian elements for 2 August 2027 ↗Astronomical geometry used to calculate local eclipse coverage and solar position.
- NASA GSFC: Solar eclipses 2021 to 2030 ↗Independent check of the broad visibility region.