Total Solar Eclipse — August 12, 2026
26 days to go — the first totality over mainland Europe since 1999.
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross western Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain — the first total eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999. Totality lasts up to about two minutes; a deep partial eclipse will be visible from nearly all of Europe and North Africa. In Spain the fully eclipsed Sun will hang dramatically low over the western horizon just before sunset.
Where can you see totality?
- Iceland — the path crosses the west of the island, Reykjavík region included: afternoon sky, weather permitting.
- Northern Spain — the shadow sweeps from the Atlantic coast across the north of the country toward the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands, in the low evening sun. A clear western horizon is essential.
- Greenland & the Arctic — for expedition travellers, the longest totality of this eclipse.
- Everywhere else in Europe — a strong partial eclipse: the further north and west, the deeper the bite out of the Sun.
How to watch safely
Certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses at all times outside totality — ordinary sunglasses do not protect your eyes, and neither does a phone camera pointed at the Sun. Only during the brief window of full totality, inside the path, is naked-eye viewing safe (and unforgettable: the corona, stars at dusk, a 360° sunset).
Frequently asked questions
Where will the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse be visible?
The path of totality crosses the Arctic, western Greenland, Iceland (including the Reykjavík region) and northern Spain, ending near the Mediterranean around sunset. A partial eclipse will be visible across nearly all of Europe, North Africa and parts of northeastern North America.
What time is the eclipse on August 12, 2026?
Totality sweeps from the Arctic in the late afternoon UTC to Spain in the evening, where the eclipsed Sun will hang low over the western horizon shortly before sunset. Exact local timing depends on your city — open Cosmik for a live countdown for your location.
Do I need eclipse glasses?
Yes — at every moment except the brief window of totality itself, looking at the Sun without certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses can permanently damage your eyes. Sunglasses are never enough. During the seconds or minutes of full totality (and only then, only inside the path), it is safe to look with the naked eye.
When is the next total solar eclipse after this one?
August 2, 2027 — an even longer totality (over six minutes at maximum, the longest on land this century) crossing southern Spain, North Africa and Egypt. After that, Europe waits decades for another.
Will there be a lunar eclipse in 2026 too?
Yes — a partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026, visible from Europe, Africa and the Americas. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with no equipment at all.
Follow it live
Set a free Cosmik alert to be reminded before the eclipse, watch the sky in 3D from the live map, and while you wait: check tonight's Moon phase, the aurora forecast for your city or this week's rocket launches.