The Eclipse AppYour 2026 Eclipse GuideYour guide to the 2026 Eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun's light for a few minutes. During this brief period, known as totality, the sky darkens, temperatures drop, and the Sun's outer atmosphere—the corona—becomes visible, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience.

In a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is covered by the Moon, so the sky remains bright and the Sun's corona is not visible. A total eclipse, on the other hand, occurs when the Sun is completely obscured, turning day into twilight and revealing the spectacular solar corona.

The path of totality crosses northern Spain, parts of Iceland, and some areas of the Atlantic Ocean. Cities like Zaragoza, Burgos, and Bilbao in Spain will experience full totality, while other regions will see only a partial eclipse.

The 2026 total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. It will be visible across parts of Europe, including northern Spain and Iceland, as well as regions of the Atlantic Ocean.

Totality will last up to 2 minutes, depending on your location within the path. The entire eclipse event—from the first partial phase to the last—will span roughly 2 to 3 hours.

Eclipse timing depends on your exact location, but in general, totality will occur in the early evening hours in Spain and late afternoon in parts of Iceland. Use our interactive eclipse map to get precise times for your area.

Yes, during totality, when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon, it is safe to look directly at it with your bare eyes. This is one of the most breathtaking moments of the eclipse. Before and after totality, when any part of the Sun is still visible, you'll need to wear certified eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.

When the Sun is partially visible, you'll need certified eclipse glasses (look for ISO 12312-2 on the label) to safely view the eclipse. During totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun, it's safe to take the glasses off and enjoy the view with your own eyes.

During totality, the sky darkens, the temperature drops, and the Sun's corona appears as a glowing halo around the Moon. It feels like twilight in the middle of the day, and stars or planets may become visible. In parts of Spain, this eclipse will happen near sunset, adding an extra layer of beauty with warm colors on the horizon as totality unfolds. It's a brief, breathtaking moment you won't forget.