Overview
- Millions across Europe witnessed a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with totality visible only along a narrow path.
- The corridor of totality ran through Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small part of northeastern Portugal.
- Agencies including NASA and regional observatories said looking at the Sun is safe only during totality and recommended certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses to prevent permanent eye damage.
- Northern Spain was singled out as one of the best places to see the Moon fully cover the Sun, and for many observers this was their first in-person total eclipse.
- The eclipse occurred after a period of heightened solar activity — a June 30 flare that briefly disrupted some radio services in North America — and authorities reported no major health or infrastructure incidents linked to the August 12 event.