Five notable facts describe the total solar eclipse expected on August 12, 2026. The event will cross multiple continents and isolated regions. It offers one of the uncommon chances to view a sunset eclipse. Totality will last under two minutes in most locations. The timing will differ by site. Only during full coverage can viewers look directly at the sun without protection. NASA reports indicate the moon’s shadow will pass over Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small part of Portugal. Much of Europe, most of Canada, and the entire United States will experience a partial eclipse. In mainland Europe and northwest Africa, the sun will appear partly covered while setting, creating a rare sunset eclipse. In the path of totality, the moon will hide the sun for less than two minutes, though some spots in Greenland, northern Russia, and the North Atlantic may see up to 2.5 minutes. Visibility times vary: around midday in northern Russia, afternoon in Greenland and Iceland, and near sunset in Spain and western Portugal. Outside totality, special solar filters are required. A pinhole viewer offers another safe option, and NASA plans a live stream. Partial phases will appear in the morning for Alaska and Canada, near noon across the United States, and in the evening for Europe and Africa.
