Overview
- The total solar eclipse is set for Aug. 12, 2026 and will trace a narrow path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain where total darkness will last up to about 2 minutes 18 seconds.
- Much of Europe, large swaths of Canada, parts of northwestern Africa and U.S. states from Alaska to North Carolina will see a partial eclipse, producing a visible bite out of the Sun rather than full darkness.
- Spain is expected to draw many visitors because of generally favorable weather, but successful viewing there requires an unobstructed western horizon because the eclipsed Sun will sit very low above the horizon.
- Authorities and astronomy groups stress eye safety: never look at the Sun during partial phases and use ISO 12312-2–certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers, with unaided viewing safe only during confirmed totality.
- The night after the eclipse the Perseid meteor shower peaks under a new moon for unusually dark skies, and media outlets and expeditions are finalizing on‑site live coverage and viewing guides for both events.