The astrophysicist who has seen 43 eclipses: "The most visceral moment is to see the sun reappear, the return to life"
Josep Masalles, un astrofísico jubilado de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, es uno de los principales observadores de eclipses solares del mundo, habiendo visto 43 eclipses, incluyendo 22 totales. Conocido como uno de los 'cazadores de eclipses', ha realizado expediciones a lugares como Finlandia, México, Mongolia y Panamá, documentando estos eventos científicos y culturales. Su experiencia comenzó en 1973, cuando tenía 17 años, y ha continuado durante décadas. Masalles destaca la belleza y singularidad de los eclipses, especialmente el momento en que reaparece el Sol después de ser ocultado por la Luna, describiéndolo como un instante visceral de regreso a la vida. También menciona la historia humana relacionada con los eclipses, como el caso de dos astrónomos chinos ejecutados hace miles de años por no predecir un eclipse.
The phenomenon of solar eclipses has long captured the imagination of artists, leaving behind a legacy etched into the history of art. From awe to fear and even madness, these celestial events have inspired countless artistic interpretations over centuries. According to Miguel Querejeta, an astrophysicist and researcher at the National Observatory, and Inés Pérez Teresa, a historian of art, the experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse is rare, occurring roughly once every 375 years, and thus deeply impactful on human consciousness. Their recently published book El Cosmos en el Arte explores how eclipses have been represented across different artistic mediums and styles throughout history. One of the earliest known depictions of an eclipse appears in religious iconography, particularly in Christian art associated with the Crucifixion of Christ. The Gospels describe a darkness lasting three hours during Jesus' death, which many artists interpreted as a solar eclipse. However, this interpretation is scientifically inaccurate, as a total solar eclipse cannot last three hours. Despite this, painters such as the anonymous Valencian artist of the 15th century, whose work resides in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, depicted a mysterious dark circle suspended against a sky. Similarly, José de Ribera’s Cristo Crucificado, housed in the Diocesan Art Sacred Museum of Vitoria, uses a clever visual trick by overlapping the outlines of the Sun and Moon to suggest an impossible astronomical event. Both works were created without direct observation of an eclipse, relying instead on biblical narratives and artistic license. From a scientific standpoint, the description of darkness during the Passion of Christ aligns more closely with a lunar eclipse than a solar one. Moreover, the timing of the Passion coincides with the Jewish calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. During a full moon, when eclipses can occur, a solar eclipse would be impossible due to the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun. These early representations reflect a blend of faith, myth, and limited astronomical knowledge, shaping how eclipses were perceived and portrayed in medieval and Renaissance art. By the 19th century, the influence of religion waned, and science began to play a greater role in interpreting natural phenomena. This shift led to a new artistic approach, one that embraced the concept of the "sublime", a term used to describe experiences that evoke both terror and fascination. Eclipses became symbols of nature's power and mystery, often depicted in romantic paintings that emphasized emotion and dramatic effect. One notable example is the painting by Ippolito Caffi, which captures the 1842 solar eclipse in Venice. The artwork reflects the era’s fascination with celestial events and their emotional resonance, blending scientific accuracy with aesthetic expression. In recent decades, the study of eclipses has evolved further, integrating modern technology and global collaboration. Spain, for instance, will witness three consecutive solar eclipses in 2026, 2027, and 2028. Each event offers unique opportunities for both scientific research and public engagement. These occurrences highlight the enduring connection between humanity and the cosmos, bridging ancient traditions with contemporary understanding. As artists continue to draw inspiration from these celestial phenomena, they ensure that the legacy of eclipses remains alive in cultural memory.
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