The solar eclipse is set to become one of the most impressive astronomical events of recent years, with a total solar eclipse taking place on August 12, 2026.
The phenomenon will only be visible from specific areas of the planet and has already attracted thousands of astronomy enthusiasts planning trips to reach the path of totality.
The eclipse path will pass through the Arctic, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean and northern Spain, with these locations expected to attract the greatest interest.
Moon will turn daylight into darkness
For those positioned in the right locations, the experience will be unique. The Moon will completely cover the Sun, briefly transforming daylight into darkness and revealing the Sun’s corona.
The conditions may also allow observers to see the northern lights, while the same night will mark the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
Totality will last more than two minutes
The solar eclipse will reach its maximum duration of totality at 2 minutes and 18 seconds, with areas near Iceland offering some of the best viewing conditions.
In Spain, the eclipse will occur shortly before sunset, creating a particularly dramatic scene. Greenland will also rank among the top destinations for visitors hoping to experience the event in person.
The eclipse also carries historical significance. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Iceland since 1954, while Spain last experienced a similar event in 1905.
For mainland Europe, it will be the first total solar eclipse since 1999.
Meanwhile, large parts of Europe, north-western Africa, Canada and areas of the northern United States will see the event as a partial eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse happens
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun, completely covering the solar disk.
This is possible because although the Sun is around 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also almost 400 times farther away from Earth. As a result, the two objects appear almost the same size in the sky.
Although total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 16 months, they are extremely rare for any specific location and can take centuries to return.
Top destinations for the 2026 eclipse
Scoresby Sund in Greenland is considered one of the leading destinations for viewing the eclipse, with totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 17 seconds, among the longest durations worldwide.
Iceland is also expected to be highly popular. On the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, totality will last around 2 minutes and 9 seconds, while on the Reykjanes Peninsula it will last 1 minute and 46 seconds. In Reykjavik, the eclipse will last approximately one minute.
Spain will also offer several viewing options. Totality will last around 1 minute and 44 seconds in León and Burgos, 1 minute and 36 seconds in the Ebro Delta, 1 minute and 35 seconds in Arenal, Mallorca, 1 minute and 22 seconds in Zaragoza, and 1 minute and 16 seconds in La Coruña.
These locations are expected to be among the best choices for those wishing to observe the solar eclipse while combining the rare astronomical event with visits to some of Europe’s and the Arctic’s most striking destinations.
Also read: Sentinel-3C launch in September, set to strengthen Earth observation
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