Germany sees Sun‑related astronomical events in July 2026

On 6 July 2026 the Earth reaches its aphelion, the point in its orbit farthest from the Sun, at about 152 million kilometres. Although the planet is then most distant from the Sun, the northern hemisphere experiences summer because of the Earth’s axial tilt.

The same month also brings a solar eclipse. While a total eclipse will pass over Iceland and Spain on 12 August 2026, Germany will only see a partial eclipse. The article recalls the last total eclipse visible in Germany on 11 August 1999, when many travelled south to witness the “black sun” and experienced traffic jams and a surge in sales of protective glasses.