Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Timing, Viewing Locations, and Safety Tips
Theo AJLabs
About 15 million people will see a total solar eclipse on August 12 as the Moon fully obscures the Sun for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds. It will start in the Arctic, pass over Greenland and Iceland, and then move into Europe, with a partial eclipse visible for nearly a billion others.
Millions across Europe will witness the continent's first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday, August 12. The event begins at 15:34 GMT as the Moon gradually obscures the Sun, turning day into sudden darkness for about two minutes along the path of totality.
What is the timeline of the eclipse?
The exact timing depends on your location because the Moon's shadow will travel from the Arctic toward Europe. Here's the breakdown:
- 15:34 GMT: Partial eclipse begins at the first point on Earth.
- 16:58 GMT: Totality begins at the first point.
- 17:46 GMT: Maximum eclipse, with totality lasting about 2 minutes 18 seconds near the center of the path.
- Around 17:48 GMT: Maximum eclipse over Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Around 18:27 GMT: Totality reaches western Spain.
- 18:34 GMT: Totality ends globally.
- 19:58 GMT: Partial eclipse ends at the last point on Earth.
Which countries will see it?
The path of totality—where the Moon passes directly in front of the Sun and blocks its entire Earth-facing surface—will cross northern Russia, Greenland, and Iceland before sweeping through Spain and a small part of Portugal, plunging about 15 million people into near-complete darkness.
A partial eclipse will be visible across most of Western Europe, parts of Northwest Africa, much of Canada, and some northern U.S. states. In total, about 980 million people—nearly one-eighth of the world's population—could see the Sun at least partially covered, weather permitting.
Viewing prospects in Europe, the U.S., and Canada
Most of Europe will experience a partial eclipse in the early evening, close to sunset. In Paris, about 92% of the Sun will be covered, London 91%, and Berlin 85%. For cities farther east, the Sun will have set before the eclipse reaches its peak, meaning the deepest part of the event won't be visible.
In North America, the eclipse will be only partial. In St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada), coverage will be about 53%, dropping to 18% in Montreal and 8% in Toronto. In the U.S., parts of Alaska will see the deepest eclipse, with about 37% of the Sun covered in Fairbanks and 28% in Anchorage. Coverage is much lower elsewhere: about 24% in Bangor, Maine, 9% in New York City, and just 3% in Detroit, Michigan.
How long will totality last?
At maximum, totality will last about 2 minutes 18 seconds, but the duration varies by location. In northern and eastern Spain—where viewing conditions are best—the cities of Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia all lie within the path of totality. Totality begins around 18:27 GMT in western Spain (20:27 local time) and lasts up to 110 seconds. Madrid and Barcelona are just outside the path but will still see more than 99% of the Sun covered.
How to observe safely
Looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage. For most of the eclipse, you'll need specialized protective eyewear.
Do: Wear certified eclipse glasses or use a safe handheld solar viewer. Inspect your glasses before use and supervise children. Remove glasses only when the Moon completely covers the Sun during totality, and put them back on as soon as the Sun begins to reappear.
Don't: Use regular sunglasses, no matter how dark. Don't look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars, or telescope unless they have a dedicated solar filter. Don't use eclipse glasses with unfiltered cameras or binoculars—the concentrated light can penetrate the filter and damage your eyes.
The only exception is during the brief moment of totality, when the Moon fully hides the Sun's bright surface, you can look directly without glasses. At all other times, eye protection is mandatory.
Photography and online viewing tips
Pointing a camera directly at the Sun can damage the sensor. Cameras need a proper solar filter. During the two minutes when the Sun is 100% covered, you can remove the filter, but it must go back on as soon as the first ray reappears.
NASA will stream the eclipse live online starting at 17:15 GMT on Wednesday.
Next total solar eclipse
The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027, crossing southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
