Skygazers are eagerly anticipating the total solar eclipse set to take place on 12 August 2026, a celestial event visible across the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a portion of northern Portugal. This marks the first total solar eclipse to be seen over mainland Europe since 1999. In other parts of Europe, including the UK and Ireland, observers will witness a striking partial eclipse, obscuring over 90% of the Sun in many areas.
In North America, northernmost regions of the USA and Canada will also experience a partial solar eclipse, with Alaska offering the best views in the United States. In Canada, provinces such as Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to see a significant portion of the Sun covered.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth. While the Moon orbits Earth monthly, its alignment with the Sun does not always result in an eclipse due to its tilted orbit. However, on occasions when the alignment is precise, the Moon can obscure the Sun completely, creating a total solar eclipse.
The upcoming eclipse is particularly noteworthy because the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth, or perigee, making it appear slightly larger in the sky. This will result in a relatively long duration of totality, lasting over two minutes in certain locations.
Spain is heralded as an ideal location for viewing the eclipse, with cities like Valencia, Bilbao, and Zaragoza witnessing totality just before sunset, promising a dramatic visual display. In Portugal, the area around Montesinho Natural Park in Bragança will offer views of the total eclipse, while elsewhere in the country, a partial eclipse will be visible.
To safely observe the eclipse, viewers are advised to use certified solar eclipse glasses or solar telescopes. These tools are essential to protect the eyes from harmful solar rays. In areas experiencing totality, glasses can be momentarily removed during the peak, but must be worn again immediately after.
For those without specialized viewing equipment, safe alternatives include indirect observation methods, such as projecting the eclipse using a colander or card with a pinhole.
As the 2026 solar eclipse approaches, enthusiasts and casual observers alike are gearing up for what promises to be a spectacular astronomical event, offering both breathtaking views and valuable opportunities for scientific observation.
