# European solar eclipse safety and impact updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-solar-eclipse-eyesafety-warnings
> Updated: 2026-08-06T07:45:29.000Z. Sources: 43. Developments: 2.

The 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality from the Arctic across Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a sliver of north‑western Portugal, with total darkness lasting up to two minutes 18 seconds near western Iceland. A deep partial eclipse will be visible across most of Europe, the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Morocco and other North‑African locations, reaching up to 92 % coverage in Tangier and 90‑96 % in the UK. Health authorities in Portugal, Denmark, Germany, the United Kingdom and other affected nations continue to stress that only CE‑marked, ISO 12312‑2‑certified eclipse glasses provide adequate protection; ordinary sunglasses, CDs or improvised filters can cause permanent retinal damage. Free certified glasses can be reserved online, and pharmacies and supermarkets sell them at modest prices. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is organising an international measurement campaign to study the ionospheric response, and France’s grid operator RTE expects a rapid drop of about 9 700 MW (3.7 %) in EU solar generation, including a 1 800 MW reduction in France, during the eclipse’s peak. Iberia will operate a special flight (IB1473) at more than 10 000 m altitude, using Starlink satellite internet to stream live images of the event. The eclipse coincides with the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, offering a rare combined day‑time eclipse and night‑time meteor display. Guidance reiterates the use of ISO‑12312‑2 certified glasses, avoidance of binoculars or telescopes without proper solar filters, and suggests simple projection methods such as using a kitchen colander. The next total solar eclipse visible from Europe is not expected until 2075, and the next global total eclipse until 2081.

## Claims

- A total solar eclipse will occur on 12 August 2026. (corroborated by 14 sources)
- Certified eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312‑2 are required for safe viewing; ordinary sunglasses are insufficient. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- In Germany the eclipse will cover 84‑92 percent of the Sun. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The path of totality will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and northeast Portugal. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The longest total phase will last up to 2 minutes 18 seconds near western Iceland. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Iberia will operate a special flight (IB1473) at over 10 000 m altitude on 12 August 2026 to observe the eclipse, streaming via Starlink. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A team of researchers from Project Shelios, led by astronomer Miquel Serra‑Ricart, will be aboard the flight. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: Portugal prepares public safety measures for August 12 solar eclipse

Portugal's health authorities and the Order of Doctors urge public alerts, certified glasses and safety guidelines for the 12 August total solar eclipse, visible briefly in Montesinho Park.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-prepares-public-safety-warnings-for-august-12-solar-eclipse

### 2026-08-05: Solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 observed across Europe and beyond

The 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal, with a special Iberia flight at 10 km altitude, DLR ionosphere studies, a 9.7 GW EU solar drop, and safety alerts for 90

34 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmarks-august-12-solar-eclipse-raises-eyesafety-warning

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Cite as: European solar eclipse safety and impact updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-solar-eclipse-eyesafety-warnings