Total solar eclipse 2026 has begun. Here are the first views of totality

The initial glimpses of totality for the total solar eclipse of 2026 have begun to emerge, showcasing the awe-inspiring beauty of the sun's atmosphere as it radiates from behind the moon's vast outline. Eclipse enthusiasts have been eagerly observing, as the moon gradually obscured the sun, turning it into a dazzling crescent in the skies above Scoresby Sund, Greenland, aboard the MS Spitsbergen cruise ship.

The images captured from the vessel's deck display the sun's corona glowing brilliantly in the twilight of totality. As the moon's central shadow traverses the continent of Europe, the celestial event is set to conclude off the north coast of Africa at 2:34 p.m. EDT (1834 GMT).

The first photographs of totality were captured from the MS Spitsbergen cruise ship, revealing the sun's corona, which became visible due to the moon's blocking of most of the star's light. Skye.com's skywatching editor, Daisy Dobrijevic, was onboard and successfully captured the awe-inspiring images of totality. The path of totality continued its journey towards Spain, offering spectacular views for those fortunate enough to witness it.

Space.com plans to provide ongoing coverage of the total solar eclipse through its live blog, featuring reports from skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic and skywatching writer Anthony Wood. Wood will be sharing live updates from his location in central Spain, where the eclipsed sun will eventually set below the horizon. Those interested in sharing their own eclipse photos with Space.com's readers are encouraged to submit their images, along with comments, name, and location to spacephotos@space.com.