August 12 Total Solar Eclipse: Where to See It and How to Watch Safely

The only total solar eclipse of 2026 will occur on August 12, 2026, crossing parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and northern Russia. In Spain, the total eclipse will be visible in urban areas such as Madrid, London, and Paris, with the Sun being at least 90% covered. Meanwhile, the partial eclipse will be visible across a wider region, with parts of North America experiencing a lower 37% coverage in Fairbanks, Alaska, and 16% in Boston.

The eclipse will commence in extreme northern Russia at around 17:00 UTC, or 1 p.m. Eastern Time, before proceeding across Greenland, Iceland, and the North Atlantic towards Europe. In Iceland, totality will reach Reykjavik at 5:48 p.m. local time, while in Valencia, it will be observed at 8:32 p.m. local time. In Spain, totality will peak between 8:26 p.m. and 8:33 p.m. local time, shortly before sunset.

The occurrence of the eclipse is significant as it is the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe in two decades. The last total eclipse seen from parts of the United Kingdom happened in 1999, with the next one expected in 2090. For the United States, the subsequent total solar eclipse is slated for 2044, though it will be limited to Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

A wider total eclipse will cross a substantial portion of the country in 2045, starting from Northern California and extending toward Florida.

Viewing the eclipse safely is crucial, as direct eye exposure to the Sun can lead to permanent damage. Specialized solar eclipse glasses are recommended for use when viewing the eclipse, while ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient protection. During totality, when the Moon fully covers the Sun, viewers in the eclipse's path can temporarily remove their glasses, but they must be worn during a partial eclipse at all times. For those without eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods like pinhole projectors are suggested.

Scientists value the eclipse as it allows them to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, which can reveal insights into the corona's chemistry and changes over the Sun's 11-year cycle of solar activity. Additionally, the 1919 solar eclipse provided crucial evidence for Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity.

This eclipse also coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, expected to peak overnight on August 12-13. The Perseids can produce dozens of meteors per hour under clear skies, providing skywatchers with a spectacular additional celestial event to enjoy after the eclipse.