Observations / Eclipse 2026
Total Solar Eclipse: August 12, 2026
On August 12, 2026, the Moon will entirely block the Sun along a path crossing the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Here's everything you need to know to safely observe this rare event.
⏳ Countdown & times
Totality begins: August 12, 2026, 17:47 UTC · UTC
Geolocation denied: showing UTC by default.
📊 The eclipse in numbers
August 12, 2026
Total solar eclipse
2 min 18 s
294 km
1.039
17:47:06
126 (48/72)
Totality: Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, North Atlantic, northern Spain, tip of Portugal. Partial: Europe (entire), northern Africa, North America (Alaska, Canada, eastern US), northeast Asia.
🌑 How a solar eclipse works
The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes exactly between the Earth and the Sun. By a happy coincidence, the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun but also 400 times closer: from Earth, they appear to be roughly the same apparent size. The Moon can therefore entirely mask the solar disk.
In the umbra zone, the Sun is entirely blocked: that's totality. In the penumbra zone, only a partial eclipse is visible. The Moon casts a cone-shaped shadow that sweeps across the Earth's surface at about 1,700 km/h.
🌗 The phases of the eclipse
A total eclipse unfolds in five successive stages, from first contact to last.
The Moon begins to "bite" the edge of the Sun. This is the start of the partial eclipse. Invisible without protection, you only see a small notch on the solar disk.
The Moon moves forward and covers an increasingly large portion of the Sun. Light dims, shadows sharpen and the temperature drops.
The Moon completely covers the Sun. The solar corona becomes visible. The brightest stars appear. The duration of totality depends on your position: up to 2 min 18 s at the point of greatest eclipse.
The Moon begins to uncover the Sun. A point of light, the "diamond ring" effect, appears at the edge of the lunar disk. This is the end of totality.
The Moon completely leaves the solar disk. The eclipse is over.
🗺️ Visibility map
Where and when to watch the eclipse
The path of totality (in red) crosses the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Outside this band, the eclipse is partial with a varying percentage depending on latitude. Click on the cities to see local times.
| City | % Visibility | Partial begins | Totality begins | Totality ends | Partial ends | Totality duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reykjavik | 100% | 16:47 | 17:48 | 17:49 | 18:47 | ~1 min |
| Nuuk | 47% | 16:02 | - | - | 18:40 | - |
| León | 100% | 19:32 | 20:28 | 20:30 | 21:22 | ~2 min |
| Oviedo | 100% | 19:33 | 20:30 | 20:31 | 21:26 | ~1 min |
| Bilbao | 100% | 19:37 | 20:32 | 20:33 | 21:17 | ~1 min |
| Paris | 92% | 19:42 | - | - | 21:09 | - |
| Madrid | 100% | 19:41 | - | - | 21:16 | - |
| London | 91% | 19:40 | - | - | 21:01 | - |
| Lisbon | 95% | 19:43 | - | - | 20:48 | - |
| New York | 25% | 05:24 | - | - | 06:32 | - |
| Rome | 69% | 19:42 | - | - | 21:00 | - |
| Berlin | 85% | 19:40 | - | - | 21:05 | - |
UTC · Greenwich time
⚠️ Essential safety precautions
Observing the Sun without adequate protection can burn the retina irreversibly. At ALL phases of the eclipse, including totality where a ray can reappear at any moment, certified protection is MANDATORY. Never remove your glasses on impulse: the diamond effect can occur suddenly.
Only use glasses bearing the ISO 12312-2 standard. Check that they are neither scratched nor pierced. Sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not protect. Buy them in advance: they sell out fast.
Telescopes, binoculars and finders must be fitted with certified solar filters attached in front of the objective (never behind the eyepiece: the concentrated heat would crack it). Check the filter condition before each use.
The safest method: project the Sun's image through a pinhole sheet or a pair of binoculars onto a white cardboard. No direct observation needed, ideal for children and groups.
Never look at the Sun with the naked eye, at any phase of the eclipse, including totality: a ray of sunlight can reappear suddenly and burn the retina instantly. Never use photographic film, x-rays, smoked glass, CDs or homemade filters. Never point an unfiltered optical instrument at the Sun: the light can burn your eye instantly.
Children are particularly drawn to eclipses. Make sure they wear certified glasses at all times and never remove them without adult supervision. Explain the rules to them before the event.
🎯 Practical guide to make the most of the eclipse
Beyond safety, a few preparations turn a simple observation into an unforgettable moment.
- 1Choose your location in advance, within the path of totality for the full show, or outside for a partial eclipse.
- 2Check the weather a few days ahead; plan a backup site in case of cloud cover.
- 3Arrive early at your observation site: roads can be congested on the day.
- 4Prepare your gear: certified glasses, instrument filters, folding chair, water, snacks.
- 5During totality, observe nature: birds falling silent, temperature dropping, stars appearing.
- 6Enjoy it! Totality lasts less than 2 minutes: don't waste time photographing if you're not equipped.
- 7To photograph: use a certified solar filter in front of the lens, a tripod, and only remove the filter during totality.
🔮 Upcoming solar eclipses
If you miss the one on August 12, 2026, other solar eclipses are coming in the next few years.
| Date | Type | Visible from | Max. totality | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-12 | Total | Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain | 2 min 18 s | This one |
| 2027-02-06 | Annular | South America, Africa, Antarctica | 7 min 51 s | Exceptional duration |
| 2027-08-02 | Total | Egypt, Arabia, Yemen, Somalia | 6 min 23 s | Longest of the century |
| 2028-01-26 | Annular | Ecuador, Peru, Brazil | 4 min 08 s | |
| 2028-07-22 | Total | Australia, New Zealand | 5 min 10 s | |
| 2030-11-25 | Total | Namibia, Botswana, Australia | 3 min 44 s |