The Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026: A Historic Astronomical Spectacle

On August 12, 2026, Europe will experience one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the decade. A total solar eclipse will cross the continent, bringing a phenomenon that hasn’t been seen in nearly three decades. This will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the European continent since 1999, making it a unique opportunity for millions of observers.

Why Is This Solar Eclipse Historic for Europe

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon perfectly aligns between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow on a very narrow strip of our planet. This zone, known as the “path of totality,” is the only place where the phenomenon can be observed in its full magnitude. About 150 kilometers wide, though extending thousands of kilometers, these events are extremely rare at any specific location. In fact, according to astronomy experts, total solar eclipses happen on average every 18 months somewhere on Earth, but their visibility is limited by the geometry of the event.

What makes the August 2026 eclipse special is that Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will align with the central path of the lunar shadow. For Europe, this is a rare event that should be taken advantage of, as the next opportunities to witness a total solar eclipse from this region won’t occur until 2081 in Portugal.

Where to See the Totality: Spain at the Center of the Action

Spain will hold a privileged position in this astronomical event. The eclipse’s path will cross the country from west to east, from A Coruña to Palma de Mallorca, allowing large regions of Spain to enjoy either totality or significant coverage of the Sun.

In northern mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, it will be possible to observe the full phase of the phenomenon. Cities like Santander, Bilbao, Gijón, Oviedo, A Coruña, Lugo, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca will experience the eclipse in its entirety. Balearic towns such as Ibiza, Mahón, and Alcúdia will also see the full spectacle, while in the southern half, the event will be partial.

Galicia will have the honor of being the first Spanish region to witness totality. In A Coruña, the eclipse will reach its maximum at 20:28, lasting 76 seconds, offering a brief but intense window to observe the Sun’s corona fully uncovered.

Exact Schedule of the Astronomical Event

The total solar eclipse will follow a precise timetable, calculated in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The first partial phase will begin at 15:34 on August 12. Then, totality will start at 16:58, peak at 17:46, and end at 18:34. The last partial contact will occur at 19:57.

It is important to note that Spain is in the final segment of the path of totality, so the eclipse will coincide with sunset, observed near the horizon. This adds a special dimension to the event, combining the astronomical spectacle with the beauty of the sunset.

Globally, partial visibility of the eclipse will be available across much of Europe, northern Asia, northern and western Africa, most of North America, as well as parts of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and Arctic. However, in cities like Bogotá, the phenomenon will not be visible.

How to Observe the Solar Eclipse Safely

To make the most of this solar eclipse, experts from the National Geographic Institute recommend being in a completely clear location, unobstructed to the west, so nothing interferes with the view of the horizon during the event.

A unique feature of this eclipse is its close timing with the Perseid meteor shower. The night of peak activity for the Perseids will occur shortly after the event, allowing observers to combine viewing the total solar eclipse with watching this spectacular meteor shower.

The Five Phases of the Astronomical Phenomenon

A total solar eclipse unfolds in five well-defined phases, each with distinctive visual features. It begins with the start of the partial eclipse, when the Moon begins to “bite” into the solar disk, gradually reducing its visibility. Next comes the start of totality, when impressive visual effects appear, such as the diamond ring, which occurs just before totality, and Baily’s beads, caused by sunlight filtering through lunar mountain peaks.

At the maximum of the eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing its corona—the Sun’s outer atmosphere, normally invisible. During these moments, the sky darkens dramatically, allowing stars to be seen in broad daylight. Finally, the process reverses: the Sun reappears gradually, passing through the partial phases again, closing one of nature’s most unique spectacles.