Near-Total Solar Eclipse to Traverse Europe and Greenland on August 12, 2026 On August 12, 2026, a near-total solar eclipse will sweep across the Arctic, passing through Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, with the moon’s shadow blocking the sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds. This event marks the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999, with approximately 15 million people, primarily in Spain, located within the path of totality. The eclipse will begin at 15:34 GMT, creating a dramatic celestial spectacle for observers in the region. The path of totality will stretch from the Arctic to southern Spain, with the longest duration of darkness occurring in northern and eastern Spain. Cities such as Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia will experience the full eclipse, while Madrid and Barcelona, though outside the direct path, will still witness over 99% solar coverage. In western Spain, totality is expected to last up to 110 seconds, depending on the exact location. The event will be a rare opportunity for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts to study the sun’s corona, the faint outer atmosphere visible only during a total eclipse. Beyond the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be observable across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwestern Africa, and a small portion of the United States. Nearly 980 million people, or about one in eight globally, will see the sun at least partially obscured. This includes regions where the sun sets during the eclipse, such as parts of North Africa and eastern Europe, where the deepest phase of the eclipse may not be visible due to the timing. For example, in Paris, 92% of the sun will be covered, while London and Berlin will see 91% and 85% coverage, respectively.#spain #iceland #greenland #near_total_solar_eclipse #arctic
