Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, 2026: Path and Viewing Guide

A total solar eclipse is scheduled for August 12, 2026, offering a spectacular celestial event across several regions. The path of totality, where the Moon will completely obscure the Sun, will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, and extend into a small section of Portugal and Spain.

What Happened

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur. For observers within the narrow path of totality, the Sun will be fully hidden by the Moon. For many in mainland Europe and Africa near the western edge of this path, the eclipse will coincide with sunset, presenting a unique "sunset eclipse" viewing opportunity.

Key Facts

• The path of totality for the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal.
• For most in the path of totality, the Sun will be fully eclipsed for less than two minutes.
• For observers near the center of the path in Greenland, Russia, or the North Atlantic, totality will last slightly longer, up to two and a half minutes.
• A partial solar eclipse will be visible across a wider area of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of the northern U.S., most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa.
• NASA will provide a live stream of the eclipse, beginning at 1:15 p.m. EDT on August 12.

Background

The partial phase of the eclipse will begin with the day in northern Russia. In Alaska and northern Canada, it will start and end in the morning, while eastern Canadian provinces will see it in the afternoon. The contiguous U.S. will experience the partial eclipse around midday, extending into the mid-afternoon for eastern locations. Europe and Africa will witness the eclipse in the evening. Observers in the U.S. and southern Canada will see only a small portion of the Sun obscured.

Why It Matters

This event offers a significant astronomical viewing opportunity. It is crucial to note that direct viewing of the Sun is only safe during the brief period of totality. Before and after totality, and for those observing the partial phases, specialized eye protection is mandatory. Safe solar viewers must comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard, which is significantly different from regular sunglasses. Alternative safe viewing methods include using pinhole projectors or observing the patterns of light projected through tree leaves.