Solar Eclipse August 12 2026: Path, Times, and Where to See Totality

A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, with a path of totality crossing the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a narrow band of Europe. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999. Totality will last over two minutes along the central line in the best locations.

An annular ("ring of fire") eclipse earlier in 2026, on February 17, will be visible from parts of South Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and Antarctica. The August 2026 event is the one that will draw large numbers of eclipse chasers to Europe.

Where the August 2026 Eclipse Goes

The path of totality on August 12, 2026, runs from the Arctic and Greenland through the North Atlantic, then across Iceland and into Spain. Major viewing regions include Iceland and northern Spain. Maximum duration of totality exceeds two minutes near the center of the path. Partial phases will be visible across much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of North America, depending on location and time.

When to See It

Eclipse timing depends on the observer's location. In Iceland and Spain, the event occurs in the afternoon (local time). Exact times are published by NASA and sites such as timeanddate.com as the date approaches. Travel and accommodation in the path of totality typically fill up months in advance.

How to View Safely

Looking directly at the sun without protection can cause permanent eye damage. During partial phases, use ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector. Only during the brief total phase, when the sun's disk is fully covered, is it safe to look without eye protection.

What to Watch in 2026

February 17, 2026 brings the annular eclipse for southern-hemisphere viewers. The next total solar eclipse widely visible from the United States is in 2044 and 2045.