A total solar eclipse will cross the globe on August 12, 2026, plunging regions of the Arctic, Europe, and Asia into darkness as the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth. The narrow path of totality will span 5,157 miles (8,300 kilometers), beginning over the Arctic coastline at approximately 1 p.m. ET and concluding near the Balearic Islands around 2:30 p.m. ET.
Path of Totality and Regional Timing
According to NASA, the path of totality—where the moon completely blocks the face of the sun—will pass over northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. For those outside this path, a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, northwestern Africa, most of Canada, and parts of the northern United States from Alaska to North Carolina.
The duration of totality varies by location:
- Reykjavík, Iceland: Totality begins at 5:48 p.m. local time (1:48 p.m. ET) and lasts for about one minute.
- León, Spain: Totality begins around 8:28 p.m. local time (2:28 p.m. ET) and lasts for approximately two minutes.
- Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, Spain: The site will experience 1 minute and 21 seconds of totality at 2:31 p.m. EDT.
Live Broadcasts and Scientific Observation
The European Space Agency (ESA) will host a live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain, starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT (19:30 CEST) on August 12. The broadcast, available via ESA Web TV and YouTube, will be hosted by Dame Dr Maggie Aderin and will feature guests including ESA Director of Science Professor Carole Mundell and observatory director Javier Cenarro. The coverage will utilize drone footage and telescope views to explore the sun’s corona and eclipse science.
Additionally, NASA will begin livestreaming the event starting at 1:15 p.m. EDT.
Some observers are seeking rare celestial coincidences. Michael Zeiler, an eclipse cartographer and founder of EclipseAtlas.com, is traveling to the fjords of Greenland aboard the expedition ship Ocean Explorer. Zeiler aims to achieve the first-ever observation of an aurora during solar eclipse totality, while also hoping to spot meteors from the ongoing Perseid meteor shower.
Viewing Safety and Guidelines
Experts warn that viewers must never look directly at the sun without adequate eye protection. To view even a partial eclipse, individuals must use handheld solar viewers or eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 standard. Sunglasses are not sufficient to prevent eye damage.
Scientific American warns against pointing binoculars, cameras, or telescopes at the sun, even while wearing eclipse glasses, as the lenses concentrate solar rays and can damage vision. Special solar filters are required to make these devices safe for viewing.
Future Eclipse Events
While the 2026 event is not visible in totality within the contiguous U.S., other events are projected for the future:
- March 30, 2033: The next total solar eclipse to cross U.S. soil will run through Alaska, according to AccuWeather.
- August 23, 2044: The next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S., according to NASA.
- August 12, 2045: A total solar eclipse will be visible over almost all of Florida, with a maximum totality duration of 6 minutes and 6 seconds, according to NationalEclipse.com.
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