A total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small portion of Portugal on August 12, 2026, according to NASA. The event will mark the first total eclipse in mainland Europe in two decades, with the last similar event visible from the UK occurring in 1999, as reported by The Guardian.
Path of Totality and Visibility
The eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. Those located within the umbra—the inner part of the moon’s shadow—will experience a total solar eclipse where the sun’s light is fully blocked. This path of totality is described as a narrow track on the Earth’s surface.
While the total eclipse is limited to specific regions, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere. According to NASA, this includes:
- Most of Canada and the northern U.S., ranging from Alaska to North Carolina.
- Much of Europe, including the UK, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and northern Italy.
- Northwestern Africa.
In the UK, the Royal Observatory Greenwich calculates that the partial eclipse in London will begin at 18.17 BST, reach its maximum at 19.13 BST, and conclude at 20.06 BST. In Spain, the total eclipse will peak between 20.26 and 20.33 local time, depending on the location, shortly before sunset. For many observers in Africa and mainland Europe on the western part of the path, the sun will set while still partially eclipsed.
Scientific Significance and Phenomena
Scientists use solar eclipses to study the solar corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere. Amy Mainzer, a professor in the UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences, noted that when the sun’s surface is blotted out, it becomes possible to see the corona, which she has previously observed as bright neon-pink spokes. It is also sometimes possible to see planets such as Mercury and Venus during the event.
The physical effects of totality include a drop in temperature and the transformation of daytime into night for a few minutes. Mainzer stated that these changes often confuse animals and birds, causing them to begin their nighttime routines. NASA is encouraging public viewership partly due to the profound emotional impact
such events can have.
Safety Guidelines for Observers
Experts and space agencies emphasize that it is extremely important not to view the sun with the naked eye or through regular sunglasses, as this can cause permanent eye damage. According to NASA, regular sunglasses are not safe regardless of how dark they are.
To view the eclipse safely, observers should use:
- Solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses) or handheld solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard.
- Safe solar filters that block most of the sun’s light.
- Indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector to cast images of the sun.
The only period when it is safe to look at the sun without protection is during totality—the brief moment when the moon completely blocks the sun. NASA will provide a live stream of the event starting at 1:15 p.m. EDT on August 12.