Partial solar eclipse to cross Germany on August 12, 2026

On August 12, 2026, a partial solar eclipse will traverse parts of Germany, offering a rare celestial spectacle for those in the country. Known for being the largest partial solar eclipse until 2081, the event will see the moon pass between the Earth and the sun, partially obscuring it from view. This will cause parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and Russia to transition from daylight into nighttime.

The eclipse will commence in northeastern Germany, with Greifswald marking its start at 7:12pm and Munich at 7:23pm. The final moments of the eclipse will occur around 9pm as the sun sets across the country. In Germany, observers will witness a small, curved crescent of the sun, with 85% to 90% of it obscured by the moon. Unlike a total eclipse where night-like conditions occur, the bright daylight will still be present, though significantly dimmed, revealing only around 10% of the sun's light.

The prime location in Germany to observe the eclipse is Freiburg, where an impressive 90% of the sun will be covered. Following the eclipse, Freiburg residents will also have the opportunity to view a large meteor shower. However, the visibility of the solar eclipse will be contingent on weather conditions, with any storm clouds or fog potentially obstructing the view.

For optimal viewing, science communicator at the FXB observatory, Michaël Cottier, suggests visiting elevated areas, such as a hill with a northwestern view, as the sun will be low in the sky. NASA also provided recommendations for safely enjoying the event. They suggest wearing ISO-certified eclipse glasses instead of regular sunglasses, and avoiding the use of binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without a solar filter to protect one's eyes from potential damage.