A total solar eclipse traverses the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Spain today, Aug. 12, 2026, marking the first time the path of totality has crossed continental Europe since August 1999.
The Moon will completely cover the Sun for up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds along a narrow corridor, creating temporary daytime darkness for millions of observers.
The astronomical path begins at sunrise in northern Siberia, then tracks south-southwest over Greenland and skirts the western coastline of Iceland during peak afternoon hours.
As the shadow moves across the Atlantic, it enters northern and eastern Spain. Major cities including A Coruña, Zaragoza and Palma de Mallorca will experience twilight conditions before the eclipse concludes at sunset.
The eclipse coincides with the Perseid meteor shower, allowing observers within the path of totality to watch shooting stars during the minutes of darkness.
Millions of people are expected to witness the eclipse from within the path of totality, with roads and parks in prime viewing areas likely to see heavy crowding.
Europe's last total solar eclipse came on Aug. 11, 1999, when the shadow crossed western and central Europe. The most recent total solar eclipse worldwide swept across the United States on April 8, 2024.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Moon and Earth align precisely, with the Moon passing directly between the Sun and Earth and completely blocking the Sun's face as seen from the ground.
