Get ready for the August 2026 solar eclipse: all the key facts to observe this astronomical spectacle

Next August 12, 2026, will mark an extraordinary astronomical milestone: mainland Europe will witness its first total solar eclipse in 27 years. This event holds special significance for Spanish observers, who will have the privileged opportunity to view totality from major cities in northern peninsular Spain and the Balearic Islands. But before preparing for the experience, it is essential to understand exactly what happens during this cosmic phenomenon.

What is a solar eclipse and why is it so special?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, completely covering the solar disk and casting its shadow on a very narrow band of the planet, called the “path of totality.” Outside this precise zone, the phenomenon can only be observed as a partial eclipse.

According to data from the specialized portal Time and Date, these events happen approximately every 18 months somewhere in the world. However, their exceptional nature lies in the geometry of the phenomenon: although the shadow extends about 15,000 kilometers, its width varies only around 150 kilometers. This narrowness makes total solar eclipses rare events with very limited geographic reach.

Europe will have its moment of totality after 27 years

The 2026 solar eclipse represents a historic moment for the European continent. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 1999, a wait of over two decades. The shadow’s path will cross several European territories, allowing totality to be observed from Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. In the rest of Europe, as well as in northern Asia, northern and western Africa, and much of North America, the event will be visible as a partial phase.

Spain in the front row: cities where totality will shine

For Spanish observers, this news is particularly exciting. The solar eclipse will cross the peninsula from west to east, entering through Galicia and ending in the Balearic Islands. A wide range of cities will be able to see the full phase, while in the southern half, the event will be partial.

Galicia will be the first region to experience totality. In A Coruña, the phenomenon will begin at 19:31 (UTC), reach its maximum at 20:28, and end at 21:22, lasting 76 seconds. From other northern localities such as Santander, Bilbao, Gijón, Oviedo, Lugo, Zaragoza, Valladolid, and Valencia, the full phase or a very significant coverage of the solar disk can be appreciated. In the Balearic Islands, cities like Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Mahón, and Alcúdia will also enjoy totality.

A relevant detail: Spain is located at the end of the totality zone, so the eclipse will coincide with sunset near the horizon. For this reason, the National Geographic Institute (IGN) recommends observing it from open, unobstructed places facing west.

For observers in more northern locations such as Greenland and Iceland, the experience will be even more dramatic. Station Nord in Greenland and Icelandic cities like Ísafjörður, Borgarnes, Reykjavík, and Keflavík will offer views of the phenomenon with longer duration and higher solar elevation in the sky.

Precise schedule: event times and durations

The solar eclipse will follow an exact schedule in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The first partial phase will begin at 15:34 on August 12. Totality will start at 16:58, reach its maximum at 17:46, and end at 18:34. The last partial contact will occur at 19:57.

These times vary depending on the geographic location within the totality zone, but the UTC schedule provides the precise scientific reference for the event.

The five phases: how this astronomical phenomenon unfolds

The total solar eclipse exhibits a fascinating sequence of five well-defined phases. It begins with the start of the partial eclipse, when the Moon begins to “bite” into the solar disk. Then comes the start of totality, accompanied by spectacular visual effects such as the diamond ring and Bailey’s beads.

At maximum eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, leaving only the corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, visible. During these moments, the sky darkens dramatically, allowing stars to be seen in broad daylight. Subsequently, the Sun gradually reappears, reversing the phases until the partial eclipse concludes.

An additional interesting fact: this solar eclipse will coincide with the night of maximum activity of the Perseid meteor shower, the most prominent meteor shower of the year. This coincidence allows astronomers and enthusiasts to combine the observation of both events in one night, creating an extraordinary opportunity for recreational astronomy. The Sinc Agency highlights this unique combination as a rare chance for observers in the Northern Hemisphere.

The total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, is one of the most remarkable astronomical spectacles nature offers, reminding us of our position in the cosmos and the precise mathematical laws governing celestial movements.