The 2026 solar eclipse will take place on **August 12, 2026**. This is a total solar eclipse, meaning the moon will completely cover the sun for a brief period along a narrow path on Earth. The path of totality—where the total eclipse is visible—will cross several regions, primarily in the northern hemisphere.
The eclipse will begin in the North Atlantic Ocean, then move toward Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Europe. The path of totality will pass over the western part of Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and then continue across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much larger area, including much of Europe, northern Africa, and parts of North America, depending on your location.
For those in the United States, the eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse in the northeastern states and parts of the Midwest. However, the best views will be in Europe, particularly in Spain and Iceland, where the total eclipse will last for over a minute and a half in some locations.
If you’re serious about seeing the total eclipse, you’ll want to be in the path of totality. Here are some of the key locations where the total solar eclipse will be visible:
- **Iceland**: The path of totality will cross the western part of Iceland, including the capital Reykjavík and the nearby town of Akureyri. The maximum duration of totality in Iceland will be around 1 minute and 40 seconds. Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—volcanoes, glaciers, and waterfalls—will provide a stunning backdrop for the eclipse.
- **Faroe Islands**: This remote archipelago lies in the North Atlantic and will experience totality for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. The islands are known for their rugged beauty, but weather can be unpredictable, so cloud cover is a concern.
- **Spain**: The path of totality will cross northern Spain, including cities like Bilbao, Zaragoza, and the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca). The duration of totality in Spain will be around 1 minute and 20 seconds to 1 minute and 40 seconds, depending on location. Spain offers better weather prospects compared to Iceland and the Faroe Islands, making it a popular destination for eclipse hunters.
- **Greenland**: The eastern coast of Greenland will also see the total eclipse, but accessibility is limited and weather conditions are harsh.
Outside the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia. In North America, the partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern United States.
Every total solar eclipse is special, but the 2026 eclipse has a few unique features worth noting. First, it occurs during the summer months in the northern hemisphere, which means longer daylight hours and potentially better viewing conditions. In Iceland, the sun will be high in the sky, providing a good opportunity for observation.
Second, the 2026 eclipse is part of the Saros series 136, which is the same series that produced the famous 2017 total solar eclipse across the United States. This series has a long history of producing notable eclipses, and the 2026 event is the next in the cycle.
Third, the path of totality passes over some of the most beautiful and remote regions on Earth. Iceland, in particular, has become a popular destination for eclipse tourism, and the combination of a total solar eclipse with Iceland’s natural wonders is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many.
Safety is paramount when watching a solar eclipse. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, even during a partial eclipse or when the sun is partially covered. The intense light can cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
Here are the essential safety tips:
- **Use certified solar eclipse glasses**: These special glasses have filters that block harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Look for glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe.
- **Use solar filters for telescopes and binoculars**: If you’re using optical equipment, you must attach a solar filter to the front of the device. Never look through a telescope or binoculars without a proper filter, as the concentrated sunlight can instantly damage your eyes.
- **Indirect viewing methods**: You can also watch the eclipse safely using a pinhole projector, which projects an image of the sun onto a surface. This is a great option for kids or groups.
- **During totality**: Only during the brief period of totality—when the moon completely covers the sun—can you safely look at the eclipse without eye protection. As soon as the sun starts to reappear, you must put your glasses back on.
Weather is always a wildcard when it comes to eclipse watching. The best views require clear skies, and some locations have better odds than others. Iceland and the Faroe Islands are known for their often cloudy weather, especially in August. The average cloud cover in Iceland during August is around 60-70%, so there’s a significant chance of clouds. However, the lower altitude of the sun in Iceland (around 30-40 degrees above the horizon for most locations) might still allow for some visibility even with scattered clouds.
Spain, on the other hand, offers much more reliable weather. The northern regions of Spain, like the Basque Country and Aragon, usually have clear skies in August, though there can be afternoon thunderstorms. The Balearic Islands have a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine. For the best chance of clear skies, many eclipse chasers will choose Spain.
If you’re planning to travel, consider checking historical weather data and being flexible with your location. Some people even book multiple locations or choose a cruise that can move to avoid cloud cover.
If you want to witness the total solar eclipse, you’ll need to start planning early. Accommodations in the path of totality fill up quickly, especially in popular destinations like Reykjavík and the Faroe Islands. Here are some tips for planning your eclipse trip:
- **Book flights and hotels well in advance**: Eclipse tourism has grown significantly, and prices tend to rise as the date approaches. Consider booking a year or more ahead.
- **Choose your viewing location carefully**: Research the path of totality and pick a spot with the longest duration of totality and the best weather prospects. For example, in Spain, the town of Logroño in La Rioja region offers over 1 minute 40 seconds of totality.
- **Consider an eclipse cruise**: Several companies offer cruises that position themselves in the path of totality. Cruises can be a great option because they can move to avoid clouds, and they provide comfortable viewing conditions.
- **Be prepared for crowds**: In popular spots, roads can be congested, and parking can be difficult. If you’re driving, plan to arrive early and stay late.
- **Have a backup plan**: If your primary location is clouded out, have a secondary location in mind that you can reach quickly. Having a car or being part of a tour group can help.
Even if you can’t make it to the path of totality, the partial eclipse will be visible across a huge area. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect in different regions:
- **Europe**: Most of Europe will see a partial eclipse, with the greatest coverage in the north. In the UK, for example, around 80% of the sun will be covered in London, and up to 90% in Scotland. In Scandinavia, the coverage will be even higher.
- **North America**: The partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern United States. In New York City, about 30% of the sun will be covered, while in Boston, it will be around 40%. The further north you go, the greater the coverage.
- **North Africa**: The partial eclipse will be visible in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, with coverage around 10-20% in the northern parts.
- **Asia**: Only a small portion of western Russia may see a very minor partial eclipse, but most of Asia will be out of the viewing area.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the path of totality, here’s what you’ll experience:
1. **First contact**: The moon begins to move across the sun, creating a small notch. The partial phase lasts about an hour.
2. **Deepening partial phase**: The sun becomes a crescent shape, and the light around you starts to dim. Shadows become sharper, and the temperature drops.
3. **Totality**: When the moon completely covers the sun, the sky darkens dramatically, and you can see the solar corona—the sun’s outer atmosphere—glowing white. The sky may turn a deep twilight blue, and bright stars and planets become visible. The horizon may have a 360-degree sunset glow. This is the moment when you can safely remove your glasses.
4. **Diamond ring effect**: Just before totality ends, a bright spot of sunlight appears at the edge of the moon, creating a dazzling “diamond ring” effect.
5. **Second contact**: The sun begins to reappear, and the partial phase repeats in reverse.
The total phase lasts only a few minutes, so make sure you take it all in. Many people describe it as a deeply emotional and unforgettable experience.
The 2026 solar eclipse is a rare opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular events in the natural world. Whether you plan to travel to Iceland, Spain, or the Faroe Islands, or simply step outside to see a partial eclipse from your backyard, this event is worth marking on your calendar. Start planning now, prepare your viewing equipment, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. Remember to always prioritize safety, and enjoy the show!