When there is a total solar eclipse in 2026: Spain will be the setting for the first European phenomenon in 27 years

On August 12, 2026, when a total solar eclipse occurs, the European skies will witness an event of extraordinary rarity. It is the first total solar eclipse visible from the European continent since 1999, making this event a significant astronomical milestone. Spain will hold a privileged position in this cosmic spectacle, being one of the few territories where the full phenomenon can be observed.

During such a magnitude eclipse, the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the solar disk and casting a shadow on the Earth’s surface. However, this phenomenon is only fully visible from a very narrow strip known as the “path of totality,” which this time will cross Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Outside this privileged corridor, the eclipse will be partial. According to data from the specialized portal Time and Date, total solar eclipses occur, on average, every 18 months somewhere on the planet, but their limited visibility makes them highly localized events, closely studied by astronomers and enthusiasts.

A Rare Phenomenon: What Happens During an Eclipse and Why Is August 2026 Special

The path of totality, although extending about 9,300 miles (15,000 kilometers), is only roughly 93 miles (150 kilometers) wide. This narrowness explains why an eclipse of this scale is so geographically exclusive. Mainland Europe had been waiting 27 years to witness this spectacle again. The National Geographic Institute highlights that in much of northern Iberia and the Balearic Islands, it will be possible to observe the full phase, while in the southern half, the eclipse will be partial.

Although cities like Bogotá will not see the phenomenon, partial visibility will reach extensive territories: all of Europe, northern Asia, northern and western Africa, much of North America, as well as regions of the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic, and Arctic.

Spanish Cities Where the Eclipse Will Be Visible: From Galicia to Palma de Mallorca

Spain will be at the end of the path of totality, so when the eclipse occurs, it will almost coincide with sunset, near the horizon. This adds drama to the event. A wide range of Spanish cities will experience totality or significant coverage: Santander, Bilbao, Gijón, Oviedo, A Coruña, Lugo, Zaragoza, Valladolid, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca, as well as Balearic locations like Ibiza, Mahón, and Alcúdia.

Galicia will be the first Spanish region to witness totality. In A Coruña, when the eclipse occurs, the event will start at 19:31 UTC, reach its maximum at 20:28, and end at 21:22, lasting only 76 seconds. This brief but intense interval captures the magic of this astronomical event.

In northern Europe, the experience will be longer. Station Nord in Greenland, and Icelandic cities like Ísafjörður, Borgarnes, Reykjavík, and Keflavík will enjoy extended durations of the phenomenon.

Exact Timings and Phases of the Eclipse: Complete Temporal Guide

The global schedule of the event, calculated in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), marks the following key moments:

• 15:34 UTC: Partial eclipse begins
• 16:58 UTC: Totality begins
• 17:46 UTC: Maximum eclipse
• 18:34 UTC: Totality ends
• 19:57 UTC: Last partial contact

During an eclipse, the event unfolds in five well-defined phases. It begins with the start of the partial eclipse, when the Moon “bites” into the solar disk. Then, the beginning of totality appears, accompanied by visual spectacles such as the diamond ring and Baily’s beads—bright spots caused by lunar topography projecting last rays of sunlight.

At the maximum eclipse, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, only the solar corona—the luminous halo that is normally hidden by the photosphere—remains visible. During this time, the sky darkens during the day, transforming the experience into something truly supernatural. Finally, the Sun gradually reappears, and the partial eclipse concludes, closing one of nature’s most unique spectacles.

Practical Tips: How to Observe the Eclipse Safely

The National Geographic Institute recommends observing the event from a completely clear location, free of obstacles to the west, considering that when the eclipse occurs in Spain, it will happen near the horizon. This advice is crucial to avoid missing any part of this 27-year awaited event.

There is an additional opportunity for observers: the eclipse will occur just hours before the peak activity night of the Perseids, the most spectacular meteor shower of the year. This allows combining eclipse viewing with observing hundreds of meteors streaking across the night sky in the following hours, doubling the astronomical impact of the day.

A critical detail: to observe the eclipse safely, it is essential to use specialized protective glasses that block ultraviolet and infrared radiation, as looking directly at the Sun can cause irreversible eye damage. With proper precautions, August 12, 2026, will be etched in the memory of all who witness this extraordinary phenomenon that occurs during an eclipse.