Total solar eclipse 2026 (Official ESA broadcast)
Video: 01:10:42 We broadcast live from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Spain as a total solar eclipse crossed Europe on 12 August 2026. The path of totality swept across Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small area of northeastern Portugal, while much of Europe experienced a partial eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun,…
On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse traversed Europe, beginning in Greenland, moving through Iceland, Spain, and a portion of northeastern Portugal. The path of totality, where the Moon completely blocked the Sun, left observers across the continent experiencing varying degrees of a partial eclipse. The Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, a premier astronomical observatory located within the path of totality, played a central role in broadcasting the celestial event.
Hosted by renowned space scientist Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, the live broadcast from the observatory featured ESA Director of Science Carole Mundell and other distinguished guests. The program provided viewers with a comprehensive exploration of the science behind the eclipse, the Sun, and their broader implications for space science and Earth.
The coverage included live views from telescopes positioned in the path of totality, expert commentary on the phenomenon, and interviews with specialists in the field. Viewers were treated to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the observatory's operations and insights into the organization's plans for future eclipses in Europe, which include events in 2027 and 2028. The broadcast underscored the importance of such celestial events in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and their relevance for space exploration.
Written by urgent.news from ESA Space Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
