The wait is almost over for one of the biggest astronomy events of the year. On August 12, 2026, the Moon will completely cover the Sun along a narrow path stretching from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, giving observers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain and part of Portugal a front-row seat to a total solar eclipse.
Millions of people outside that path will still be able to enjoy a partial solar eclipse, with the event visible across much of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada and parts of the northern United States. For several countries, this will be the first chance in decades to witness totality.
The event also marks an important milestone for Europe. Forbes reports that it will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Iceland since 1954 and the first from Spain since 1905. Mainland Europe has not experienced a total solar eclipse since 1999.
A Rare Arctic Journey
On August 12, the Moon’s shadow will carve a path measuring about 5,133 miles (8,260 kilometers) long and up to 182 miles (293 kilometers) wide. The eclipse track will cross the Arctic, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain and a small corner of Portugal before ending just east of the Balearic Islands.
The longest period of totality will lastup to 2 minutes and 18 seconds near Iceland. In Spain, the eclipse will take place shortly before sunset, placing the fully eclipsed Sun low above the northwestern horizon. Greenland is also expected to be one of the standout locations for viewing the event.
Away from the path of totality, the eclipse will still be visible as a partial event across a wide area. People in much of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada and parts of the northern United States will see the Moon cover only part of the Sun.
Best Places to See It
Many eclipse enthusiasts are already planning trips to the regions directly beneath the Moon’s shadow. As reported by Forbes, Scoresby Sund in Greenland will experience one of the longest periods of totality, lasting up to 2 minutes and 17 seconds. In Iceland, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula will receive about 2 minutes and 9 seconds of totality, while Reykjavík will experience around one minute. The Reykjanes Peninsula will see up to 1 minute and 46 seconds.
Spain also features several prime viewing locations along the total solar eclipse path. León and Burgos are expected to receive 1 minute and 44 seconds of totality. Zaragoza will experience 1 minute and 22 seconds, A Coruña 1 minute and 16 seconds, the Ebro Delta 1 minute and 36 seconds, and S’Arenal in Mallorca 1 minute and 35 seconds.
The report notes that many observers in Spain will be looking for open countryside, coastlines, plateaus and elevated viewpoints with a clear view toward the northwestern horizon. Castile and León, La Rioja, Aragón and the Balearic Islands are among the areas expected to provide favorable viewing conditions.
Safe Viewing by Eclipse Phase
Atotal solar eclipse comes with one simple rule: eye protection is required whenever any part of the Sun remains visible. As reported by NASA, certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters must be worn throughout every partial phase. During totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, it becomes safe to remove eclipse glasses and observe the solar corona with the naked eye. As soon as the first bright edge of the Sun reappears, eye protection must be used again.
Forbes also noted that August 12 coincides with the peak of the annual Perseids meteor shower, which can produce up to 100 meteors per hour under the right conditions. The timing gives total solar eclipse observers another celestial event to look forward to later the same day.
The publication also explains why total solar eclipses are possible. Although the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther from Earth, making both appear nearly the same size in the sky. This allows the Moon to completely cover the Sun during totality.
