August 10, 2026 | 02:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A rare total solar eclipse will sweep across the western and northern parts of Europe on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This landmark event marks the first time in nearly 30 years that the continent will witness totality. During the celestial phenomenon, the moon will completely block the sun, casting a broad shadow across the region and plunging key locations into brief daytime darkness.
According to The New York Times, the lunar shadow will first make landfall at around 1:13 p.m. Eastern time in northeastern Greenland before moving over western Iceland around 1:43 p.m. The shadow will then traverse the Atlantic Ocean to reach northern Spain by 2:26 p.m. and pass over a small section of Portugal before concluding over the Mediterranean Sea at 2:33 p.m.
Where and When Will the Path of Totality Pass?
While solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, any single geographic location experiences totality only once every 360 to 410 years. Travel outlet Time Out notes that the path of totality, which is the narrow corridor where the sun is entirely covered, will cross parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small area of Portugal.
Time Out highlights Spain as one of the premier locations to experience the solar eclipse in Europe, as totality will occur shortly before sunset under generally clear weather conditions. Key Spanish cities along the path include Santander, Bilbao, A Coruña, Zaragoza, Valencia, León, and Burgos, as well as the Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza. According to Spain's Instituto Geográfico Nacional, Santander will be the first Spanish city to enter darkness starting at 8:26 p.m. local time.
In Iceland, best viewing locations for the solar eclipse in Europe include western regions such as Reykjavík, Reykjanes, Snæfellsnes, and the Westfjords. As noted by Time Out, Reykjavík will host a four-day music festival to celebrate the cosmic event. Data from Time and Date indicates that the eclipse in Iceland will begin at 4:42 p.m. local time, reach peak totality at 5:43 p.m., and conclude by 6:49 p.m.
What Happens to the Environment During Totality?
Regions outside the main path will still observe a partial solar eclipse in Europe. Major cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, and Milan will see over 90 percent of the sun obscured. Across the Atlantic, viewers in Alaska and the US Northeast will catch a light partial eclipse, while parts of Canada will see up to 90 percent coverage, according to The New York Times.
During totality, skywatchers will notice distinct environmental changes. "The darkening of the sky not only plunges affected areas into cooler temperatures, it also significantly enhances our view of the stars and the planets," Time Out reported.
The New York Times added that daytime temperatures will drop noticeably, shadows will sharpen into distinct crescents, and wildlife will react, such as birds will stop singing, bees will return to hives, and crickets will begin chirping.
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Europe Safely
Astronomy experts emphasize that viewing the sun without specialized protection can cause severe, permanent eye damage. The New York Times noted that the only time it is safe to view the eclipse with the naked eye is during the short moments of totality, when the sun is completely covered and its outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible.
At all other times, observers must wear certified eclipse glasses or use handheld solar viewers. Regular sunglasses, camera lenses, and telescopes without professional solar filters do not protect against eye injury. Those without protective eyewear can observe the eclipse indirectly using a homemade pinhole projector.
For those unable to travel to witness the solar eclipse in Europe in person, live online broadcasts will be available. According to Time Out, Iberia Airlines will stream the event from an in-flight perspective, while The New York Times and NASA will provide live coverage from multiple locations, including Iceland and Spain.
Skywatchers looking ahead can mark their calendars for the next total solar eclipses in North Africa on August 2, 2027, and across Australia in mid-2028.
Read: Perseids Meteor Shower to Light Up US Skies: When Is the Peak?
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