Total Solar Eclipse on Aug 12, 2026 Darkens Europe and North Atlantic

A total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026 as the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun. The narrow path of totality will sweep from the Arctic, across Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic, and onto northern Spain and a small portion of northeastern Portugal. In Greenland observers can expect just over two minutes of total darkness, while in northern Spain totality may last only around 20 seconds and will happen at a low angle near sunset.

The eclipse will be visible as a partial event across much of Europe, Africa and North America, including the United States and Canada. Safety experts stress that eye protection is required for all phases except the brief moment of totality; certified eclipse glasses or proper solar filters must be used. The event marks the first total eclipse visible from mainland Spain since 1905 and the first to cross the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century. The European Space Agency plans to stream the totality live from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Spain. Organisers note challenges such as low sun altitude, possible cloud cover and heavy traffic as millions may travel to viewing sites in Galicia, the Balearic Islands and nearby mainland locations.