Overview
- The total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will trace a narrow path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and much of northern Spain while most of the UK and Ireland will see a deep partial eclipse of about 90 percent.
- Totality along the path will be brief, peaking at just over two minutes at the best locations, and in Spain the event will occur near sunset roughly between 8:26 p.m. and 8:32 p.m. local time.
- Astronomers and institutions warn that looking at the sun without ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters is unsafe and that ordinary sunglasses offer inadequate protection.
- Travel demand is rising with cruise and charter operators offering viewing packages and authorities emphasizing site selection, crowd management and Leave No Trace rules for coastal and boat vantage points.
- Weather and low western horizons are the main practical risks for observers, and the eclipse’s concurrence with the Perseid meteor shower and elevated solar activity adds scientific and photographic interest.