Solar Eclipse 2026: Path of Totality to Sweep Across Europe and Arctic
NASA to livestream event as millions across Western Europe, Canada and the US witness partial coverage; safety warnings issued for observers.
A total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, marking the first such event visible in Europe in 27 years. The celestial phenomenon begins at 15:34 GMT, with the moon’s shadow moving from the Arctic towards Europe, temporarily blocking sunlight and altering daylight conditions across multiple continents.
The path of totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will traverse northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small section of Portugal. Approximately 15 million people within this narrow band will experience up to two minutes of darkness. In Spain, totality begins at roughly 18:27 GMT and lasts for up to 110 seconds, affecting cities including Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel and Valencia.
Madrid and Barcelona fall just outside the path of totality but will still experience more than 99 percent solar coverage. In other major European capitals, the partial eclipse will be significant but less complete: Paris will see roughly 92 percent coverage, London 91 percent and Berlin 85 percent. For cities further east, the sun will set before the eclipse reaches its maximum point.
Beyond Europe, a partial eclipse will be visible across Western Europe, Northwest Africa, most of Canada and parts of the northern United States, potentially affecting 980 million people. In Canada, St John’s will see 53 percent coverage, while Montreal and Toronto will see 18 and 8 percent respectively. In the US, Fairbanks will see 37 percent coverage, Anchorage 28 percent, Bangor 24 percent, New York 9 percent and Detroit 3 percent.
Safety warnings emphasise the need for eye protection outside the brief period of totality. Looking directly at the sun can cause severe eye injury, and cameras require proper solar filters to avoid sensor damage. The only exception is during the brief period of totality when the sun is completely blocked. NASA will livestream the event starting at 17:15 GMT. The next total solar eclipse will occur on 2 August 2027, crossing southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
