The sole total solar eclipse of 2026 occurs on August 12 as the Moon aligns directly between Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow over the Northern Hemisphere. The path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small section of Portugal. Within this corridor, the Moon fully obscures the Sun for several minutes, darkening daytime skies and exposing the solar corona. This marks the first total solar eclipse on mainland Europe since 1999. Totality follows a narrow route from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland before reaching Spain and Portugal, where northern areas offer accessible viewing. Outside the totality path, a partial eclipse appears across much of Europe, with the Moon covering 90 to 96 percent of the Sun in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The United States lies outside the totality zone, so no location experiences full coverage. However, northern states including Alaska and areas reaching North Carolina will see a partial phase, according to NASA reports. India remains entirely outside the visibility zone because the eclipse occurs while the Sun is below the horizon there. During the event, daylight fades gradually for those near totality, and the corona becomes visible once the Sun is fully obscured. The maximum duration of totality lasts less than two and a half minutes. Observers of partial phases require certified solar filters, as ordinary sunglasses provide insufficient protection. Direct viewing without filters is safe only during complete totality, after which protection must resume immediately. The eclipse draws attention because the Moon’s shadow covers only a limited Earth region each time, offering a rare sight for viewers in Iceland, Greenland, Spain and Portugal, along with partial views across Europe and northern North America.
