9 minutes | Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Astronomer and Doctor of Astrophysics Maxime Spano joins Katt Cullen on WRS to explain the solar eclipse visible from Geneva this evening.
As the founder of AstroLeman, Maxime is dedicated to making astronomy accessible and helping people of all ages discover the wonders of the night sky.
In this interview, Maxime shares the best time to view the eclipse from the Geneva region, important safety advice for watching the sun, and what skywatchers can expect to see. While observers at higher elevations may experience up to 93% coverage of the sun at around 20:20 this evening, those at lake level around Geneva are advised to look skyward at approximately 19:45, when around 42% of the sun will still be eclipsed before it disappears behind the Jura mountains.
Although based in Switzerland, today Maxime speaks to us from Spain where Maxime is preparing to witness the eclipse in totality, experiencing 100% coverage of the sun as it's on the "path of totality". He compares the view from Spain with what people in Switzerland can expect and explains why solar eclipses continue to captivate astronomers and the public alike.
Listen to learn more about the Geneva solar eclipse, eclipse viewing times, safe observation techniques, and the science behind one of nature's most spectacular events.
As always, never look directly at the sun. If you don't have a pair of glasses, you can make a pin-hole camera. There are many tutorials online.