The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will traverse Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, marking Europe’s first such event since the 1999 eclipse. This celestial phenomenon, which will turn day into night for those within the narrow path of totality, has drawn significant attention from astronomers, skywatchers, and media outlets. The path of totality begins in Greenland, crosses Iceland, and ends in northern Spain, offering unique viewing opportunities but also logistical challenges.
For observers in the path of totality, the timing and positioning of the sun will vary significantly. In Scoresby Sund, Greenland, totality will last 1 minute and 46 seconds at 4:35 p.m. CGST, with the sun 24 degrees above the western horizon. In Iceland, Reykjavik will experience 1 minute and 1 second of totality at 5:48 p.m. GMT, with the sun 25 degrees above the west. Snæfellsjökull National Park in Iceland will see 2 minutes and 10 seconds of totality at 5:45 p.m. GMT, also at 25 degrees above the west. In Spain, Gijón will witness 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality at 8:26 p.m. CEST, with the sun 10 degrees above the west-northwest. Burgos, Spain, will have 1 minute and 44 seconds of totality at 8:28 p.m. CEST, with the sun 8 degrees above the west. Mallorca, Balearic Islands, will experience 1 minute and 36 seconds of totality at 8:31 p.m. CEST, with the sun 2.7 degrees above the west. These variations underscore the importance of precise location planning for optimal viewing.
Memories of watching the 1999 total solar eclipse
For those outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse will still be visible across much of Europe. Cities such as Oslo, Norway (83% coverage), Berlin, Germany (84%), London, U.K. (91%), Paris, France (92%), Dublin, Ireland (94%), Lisbon, Portugal (94%), Nice, France (95%), Madrid, Spain (99.96%), and Barcelona, Spain (99.82%) will experience significant solar obscuration. Even locations like New York City (9%) and St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada (53%) will have noticeable partial eclipses. However, observers in Spain must be particularly mindful of the sun’s low elevation during totality, as the eclipsed sun will sit very low on the western horizon, requiring clear sightlines to the west.
The 2026 event follows the last total solar eclipse visible in Europe, which occurred in 1999. During that eclipse, BBC News correspondent Simon Hall reported from Alderney, a Channel Island, where over 250 astronomers gathered with local residents. Hall described the day as “a tease,” noting that cloud cover obscured the first half of the event. From the start there was cloud and uncertainty about what we would see,
he said. The odds had been 50/50 but at 11:16, the moment of totality, the cloud cleared.
He added that the cloud cover initially reduced the sun’s dazzle, but the temperature dropped sharply as totality approached. The UK’s next total solar eclipse will not occur until 2090, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.
1 month until the total solar eclipse 2026
To document the 2026 eclipse, Space.com has mobilized a team of reporters and citizen scientists. Skywatching Editor Daisy Dobrijevic will join an expedition to Greenland with the HX initiative, while Skywatching Writer Anthony Wood will travel to northern Spain with the DEB initiative and citizen scientists. These groups aim to provide firsthand reports from the path of totality. Space.com will also publish viewing guides, safety advice, and a live blog on eclipse day, offering real-time updates from the field. The outlet emphasizes the importance of certified solar viewing glasses to protect eyes during the partial phases of the eclipse.
The 2026 eclipse has sparked interest in travel and tourism, with Spain emerging as a top destination. However, the low sun elevation in Spanish locations necessitates careful planning. For example, in Gijón, the sun will be 10 degrees above the west-northwest at 8:26 p.m. CEST, requiring viewers to secure unobstructed western horizons. Similarly, A Coruña, Spain, will experience 1 minute and 15 seconds of totality at 8:27 p.m. CEST, with the sun 12 degrees above the west-northwest. These details highlight the need for precise location selection and timing to maximize the viewing experience.
As the August 12 date approaches, preparations are underway to ensure a safe and informative experience for observers. The combination of scientific research, media coverage, and public interest underscores the significance of this rare event. With the next total solar eclipse in the UK not expected until 2090, the 2026 eclipse represents a unique opportunity for European skywatchers to witness the dramatic interplay of light and shadow across the heavens.
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