The total solar eclipse occurring on August 12, 2026, will cast a shadow of totality across parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland, northern Russia, and a small area of Portugal, according to the NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). While the path of totality is geographically limited, millions across Europe, Canada, the northern United States, and northwestern Africa will witness varying degrees of a partial eclipse. Observers outside the direct path of the moon’s umbra can follow the event via official NASA and ESA live broadcasts.
Path of Totality and Visibility
The total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking the solar disk completely. According to NASA, the path of the moon’s shadow will travel across Greenland, Iceland, the northern reaches of Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, and a significant portion of Spain, alongside a northeastern corner of Portugal. The duration of the total phase will be brief, lasting less than two minutes for most locations along the path.
In Spain, the totality will be observable in cities such as León, Zaragoza, and Valencia. In contrast, Barcelona will experience a near-total event with approximately 99% coverage, rendering it a partial eclipse for observers there, as reported by La República. The phenomenon will also be visible in regions outside the primary corridor, including large sections of Canada, the northern United States, and parts of Europe and Africa, where the sun will appear only partially obscured.
Scheduled Timings for Spanish Cities
Local times for the eclipse vary depending on geographic position. According to data provided by the NASA-linked sources, the following schedule applies to key locations in Spain:
- Madrid: Partial begins at 7:36 p.m., reaching near-total coverage at 8:32 p.m.
- Valencia: Partial begins at 7:38 p.m., totality at 8:32 p.m.
How to Watch Remotely
The stream will feature telescope feeds and aerial imagery captured from a WB-57 research aircraft. The ESA also plans to broadcast the event starting at 12:30 p.m. (Peruvian time) via its YouTube channel and ESA Web TV, with contributions from the Javalambre Astrophysical Observatory in Teruel, Spain, according to La República.
Pro Tip: Never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without specialized, ISO-certified eye protection. Regular sunglasses, homemade filters, or smartphone cameras do not provide adequate protection against solar radiation.
Future Astronomical Alignments
This event serves as a precursor to subsequent solar phenomena. Europe is scheduled to host another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will traverse southern Spain and northern Africa. Prior to that, a solar eclipse will be visible in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil on February 6, 2027. Looking further ahead, the North American continent will see a total solar eclipse on March 30, 2033, centered over Alaska and eastern Russia, as noted by the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the eclipse with regular sunglasses?
No. According to NASA, standard sunglasses, filters made at home, or mobile phone lenses do not offer sufficient protection. You must use certified eclipse glasses or safe solar viewers.
Will the 2026 eclipse be visible in South America?
No. The path of the total eclipse is restricted to the Northern Hemisphere. Residents of countries like Peru can view the event through the official NASA or ESA web portals.
What happens during the “totality” phase?
The moon completely covers the sun, causing a significant drop in light and temperature. Observers within the path of totality may see the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, which is usually obscured by the sun’s brightness.
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