A Spectacular Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s How to See It.
Only skywatchers inside a 182-mile-wide path will see totality, while much of Europe will witness a partial eclipse, NASA said.
- On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, with the path of totality crossing Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
- A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting its shadow onto our planet; this alignment is possible because the sun is roughly 400 times wider than the moon and also about 400 times farther away.
- Only skywatchers inside the 182-mile wide path will experience totality, where day briefly turns to twilight; certified eye protection is mandatory except during totality itself.
- Iceland and Greenland will see totality in the late afternoon, while Spain's eclipse occurs just before sunset. "The low sun could make Spain's eclipse especially dramatic," says Emily Watson, an astrophysicist and planetarium supervisor at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
- Total solar eclipses occur about once every 18 months, though the narrow path makes witnessing them challenging. The next eclipse on August 2, 2027, will last as long as six minutes and 23 seconds, nearly three times longer than this 2026 event.
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The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 is underway
One of the many noticeable cycles in the heavens is an eclipse season. The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 starts with a total solar eclipse on August 12. The post The 2nd eclipse season of 2026 is underway first appeared on EarthSky.
The Moon's shadow will travel through the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean and part of Spain; I knew its three main stages
The outermost region of the Sun, the mysterious solar corona, will be visible during the instants of the totality
We see only a partial solar eclipse on August 12th in Bavaria, but this is impressive: the moon will cover almost 90 percent of the sun. Most important: when observing, it is essential to wear suitable protective glasses. Where you get them.
The Best Destinations to View the Rare Multiyear Eclipse Streak Starting in 2026—Including the ‘Eclipse of the Century’
A trio of upcoming total solar eclipses pairs thrilling places with the longest period of totality until 2114.A solar eclipse.Credit: George Pachantouris/Getty ImagesThere’s never been a better time to be an eclipse chaser. This year marks the beginning of a spectacular streak for the astronomical phenomenon, which will be longer-lasting and better positioned than ever before. Sky-watchers will be treated to annual total solar eclipses in 2026, …
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