On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Europe will experience its only total solar eclipse of the year, with select regions witnessing up to two minutes of daytime darkness.

This astronomical event occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, fully obscuring the Sun for observers located within a narrow path known as the path of totality. During this period, the sky darkens despite it being daytime, revealing the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere.

Path and Timing

  • The eclipse will commence at 15:34 GMT, with totality beginning at 16:58 GMT.
  • Maximum coverage, lasting approximately two minutes and 18 seconds, is expected around 17:46 GMT.
  • The path of totality crosses parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small portion of Portugal.

Visibility Across Europe

  • Regions outside the path will observe a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering varying portions of the Sun.
  • Major cities such as Paris, London, and Berlin will see 92%, 91%, and 85% coverage respectively.
  • Spanish cities like León, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia lie within the totality path, while Madrid and Barcelona will witness over 99% coverage.

Safety Precautions

Authorities and space agencies stress the importance of using certified solar eclipse glasses during the partial phases to prevent serious eye injuries. Directly viewing the Sun without proper protection, or through optical devices without special filters, is hazardous.

Looking Ahead

According to the European Space Agency, Spain will experience another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will also be visible in parts of North Africa and the Middle East.