![\"April](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/total-solar-eclipse-april-8.jpg\")
April 8 2024 total solar eclipse captured by Stephan Hamel, Fredericton, NB, Canada.<\/p>\nDo you love a solar eclipse? There will be a total solar eclipse visible over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small slither of northern Portugal on 12 August 2026.<\/p>\n
Elsewhere in Europe, the UK and Ireland, observers will get to see an impressive partial solar eclipse, with over 90% of the Sun obscured in many places.<\/p>\n
And the northernmost regions of the USA and Canada will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, too.<\/p>\n
April 8 2024 total solar eclipse captured by Stephan Hamel, Fredericton, NB, Canada.<\/p>\n
It’s been a long time coming. This 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999, with Spain and northern Portugal being the only places to see totality on the Continent.<\/p>\n
Here’s our guide to the August eclipse, including where it will be visible, how to observe it safely and what you can expect to see.<\/p>\n
What causes a solar eclipse
\n![\"Partial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matey-James-colour.jpg\")
Partial solar eclipse, 29 March 2025, 11:05 UTC, by Matey and James, Ryetop Park, Rainham, Kent, UK<\/p>\n
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.<\/p>\n
If you know your lunar phases<\/a>, you’ll know that the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun about once a month, and this is known as ‘new Moon<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n During new Moon, the Moon isn’t visible from Earth because it’s lost in the Sun’s glare.<\/p>\n But the reason we don’t get a solar eclipse every new Moon is because, most of the time, the Moon passes just above or just below the Sun, from our perspective.<\/p>\n Sometimes, however, the Earth, Moon and Sun are lined up just right, and we get to see the Moon’s silhouette as it passes in front of the Sun. This is a solar eclipse.<\/p>\n When the Moon covers only part of the Sun, we see a partial solar eclipse. When it covers all of the Sun, we see a total solar eclipse.<\/p>\n Because of a happy coincidence in nature, the Sun is about 400 times bigger than the Moon, but the Sun is also about 400 times more distant.<\/p>\n That means the Sun and the Moon appear the same size<\/a> in the sky, from Earth. And that’s why, during a total solar eclipse, the Moon fits snugly within the area of the sky covered by the Sun.<\/p>\n And that’s what will be visible within the ‘path of totality’ during the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse.<\/p>\n Because the solar eclipse will occur near lunar perigee, when the Moon is closest to Earth in its orbit, the Moon will appear slightly larger than usual.<\/p>\n That’s what will make this a relatively long solar eclipse, lasting over two minutes in some places.<\/p>\n Best places to see the 12 August solar eclipse While Iceland will certainly get spectacular views of the total solar eclipse \u2013\u00a0and the whole country will get to see at least a partial eclipse \u2013 arguably the best country for beginner eclipse-chasers will be Spain.<\/p>\n In Spain, this will be a ‘golden hour’ solar eclipse, occurring just before sunset in the middle of August and meaning the Sun will be low in the sky.<\/p>\n The oncoming effects of twilight could make for a spectacularly dramatic display, but observers will need to find themselves a clear western horizon to see as much of the eclipse as possible before the Sun sets.<\/p>\n The Spanish cities of Bilbao, Santander, Valladolid, Burgos, Zaragoza and Valencia will see a total solar eclipse, as will the city of Palma on the island of Mallorca.<\/p>\n Madrid and Barcelona will see a 99% partial eclipse, which may sound like the effect would be the same as a 100% total solar eclipse, but in reality there is quite a difference.<\/p>\n During a 100% total solar eclipse, the sky goes dark because the Moon completely covers the Sun.<\/p>\n Eclipse glasses can theoretically be safely removed during the point of ‘totality’, but must be put back on as totality comes to an end.<\/p>\n During a 99% partial solar eclipse, the sky will not get as dark as it does during a total solar eclipse, and eclipse glasses must be worn for the duration.<\/p>\n For that reason, viewers in Madrid and Barcelona may want to leave the city behind and travel to the path of totality, to get the full effect.<\/p>\n Most of Portugal will see a partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, but the further north you are, the deeper an eclipse you’ll see.<\/p>\n In the extreme north-east of Portugal, near the Spanish border, observers will be able to see a total solar eclipse, with Montesinho Natural Park in Bragan\u00e7a touted as the only region in Portugal to see totality.<\/p>\n Because the total solar eclipse will be visible from Spain during sunset, there’ll be a chance for observers there to see the ‘diamond ring’ effect just as it touches the horizon.<\/p>\n The ‘diamond ring’ is a well-known phenomenon that occurs right at the end of totality, when flickers of sunlight pass round the edge of the Moon, creating a bright ring around the dark lunar silhouette.<\/p>\n Catching this occurrence just as the solar eclipse hits the horizon on sea or land will make for a beautiful visual spectacle, but also a great photographic opportunity.<\/p>\n UK The UK and Ireland will get to see a pretty good partial solar eclipse on 12 August 2026.<\/p>\n This will be a very deep partial eclipse, meaning the vast majority of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.<\/p>\n London will see 91% of the Sun obscured, Edinburgh 91%, Cardiff 93% and Belfast 93%.<\/p>\n In the Republic of Ireland, Dublin will see 94% of the Sun obscured, while Cork will see 96%.<\/p>\n This is an early evening eclipse for the UK and Ireland, where observers will see the Moon begin to pass in front of the Sun at around 18:15, local time, with maximum eclipse occurring about an hour later and the event ending shortly after 20:00.<\/p>\n North America In North America, observers will see a partial solar eclispe, but the further north you go, the better the solar eclipse will be, with the Moon obscuring more of the Sun when seen from more northerly regions.<\/p>\n That makes Alaska the best US State to see the solar eclipse, while more north-eastern states along the Canadian border will get good views, too.<\/p>\n In Canada, more easterly provinces will see more of the Sun obscured, making Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador good places to see a deep partial solar eclipse.<\/p>\n While for Europeans the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse will occur at sunset, in Canada and most of the USA it will occur in the afternoon.<\/p>\n In Alaska, one of the best US States from which to see this eclipse, the event will occur in the morning as the Sun is rising, making this a ‘sunrise solar eclipse’.<\/p>\n Location Spain<\/p>\n Valencia Bilbao Zaragoza Valladolid Madrid Barcelona Portugal<\/p>\n Bragan\u00e7a Lisbon Porto UK\/Ireland<\/p>\n London Cardiff Edinburgh Belfast Dublin North America<\/p>\n New York, NY Boston, MA Chicago, IL Anchorage, AK St John’s, NL Montreal, QC Winnipeg, MB Get accurate timings for your location by visiting TimeAndDate.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n How to observe the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse To observe a solar eclipse, you must wear solar eclipse glasses<\/a>.<\/p>\n Watching a solar eclipse means looking at the Sun, which is incredibly dangerous and you should never do without certified solar-observing equipment.<\/p>\n Safe, certified solar eclipse glasses filter out the vast majority of harmful rays, making the Sun safe to observe while wearing them.<\/p>\n If you’re in an area where a total solar eclipse is visible, it is theoretically safe to take them off during totality, when the Moon is covering the Sun completely.<\/p>\n But eclipse glasses must be worn during both the build-up to totality and after totality.<\/p>\n If you’re in an area where only a partial solar eclipse is visible, you must wear solar eclipse glasses for the duration \u2013\u00a0even if obscuration is 99.9%<\/p>\n Another option for safe observation of a solar eclipse is using a solar telescope<\/a>, or by fitting a solar filter to your telescope.<\/p>\n However, these techniques should only be attempted using properly-made, specialist solar-observing equipment bought from a reputable supplier, and preferably under the guidance of an experienced solar observer.<\/p>\n For more info on eclipse glasses, read our article on how to make sure your eclipse glasses are safe<\/a>.<\/p>\n And for more ideas, read our guide on how to observe a solar eclipse<\/a>.<\/p>\n Safe ways to observe a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses<\/p>\n If you don’t have eclipse glasses, or have safety concerns around small children observing the solar eclipse, there are ways to indirectly see the effects of the Moon passing in front of the Sun.<\/p>\n Again, if looking at the solar eclipse directly, you must wear solar eclipse glasses. The techniques described below involve looking at the effects of the solar eclipse indirectly.<\/p>\n Solar eclipse projection<\/a> is a method of observing the shadow cast by the Moon as it obscures the Sun, and is a perfectly safe method.<\/p>\n This isn’t as difficult as it might sound. One common technique is to use a colander or tea strainer \u2013 i.e. something with lots of holes \u2013\u00a0and hold it up to the Sun during the eclipse.<\/p>\n You can then look at the circles of sunlight cast on the ground by the colander, and watch as they begin to show the solar eclipse in shadow form.<\/p>\n A similar effect can be achieved by piercing a hole in a piece of card and casting its shadow on the ground, or by observing shafts of sunlight cast on the ground through the branches and leaves of trees.<\/p>\n If you have a telescope, you can take this premise one step further and make a solar projection screen<\/a> that you can fit to the front of the scope.<\/p>\n This will enable you to project a view of the solar eclipse, and is a good option if you’re at a solar eclipse party, as you can provide a safe view of the eclipse for all to see.<\/p>\n However, the concentration of sunlight into a ‘regular’ telescope could damage it, and so ideally a solar filter or an aperture reducer should be added to the front of the telescope.<\/p>\n You should also fit the solar projection equipment to your telescope before pointing it at the Sun, and only remove it once the telescope is pointing away from the Sun.<\/p>\n Also, make sure to cap any finderscopes<\/a> and put the lens cap back on the telescope when not in use, to be completely safe.<\/p>\n![\"Diagram](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/solar-eclipse-cause.jpg\")
Diagram showing what causes a solar eclipse. Credit: agung fatria \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"Total](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/April-8-eclipse-pic-11.jpg\")
Total solar eclipse of April 8 2024 from Lake Carmi, Vermont, USA. Credit: Noam Galai\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/12th-August-2026-Eclipse-Map.jpg\")
Map showing the path of the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse. The path of totality is represented by a dark, thin line. Either side of that line, observers will see a partial solar eclipse. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine \/ Paul Wootton<\/p>\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/12-august-2026-solar-eclipse-spain-portugal.jpg\")
Map showing the path of totality during the solar eclipse across Spain and Portugal, 12 August 2026. Credit: BBC Sky at Night Magazine \/ Paul Wootton<\/p>\n![\"Partial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/spain-eclipses-social.jpg\")
Partial solar eclipse over Madrid, Spain. Credit: Cavan Images \/ Getty Images
\nSunset solar eclipse and the ‘diamond ring’ effect<\/p>\n
\n![\"Partial](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/amit-sharma.jpg\")
Partial solar eclipse, 29 March 2025. Amit Sharma, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, UK<\/p>\n
\n![\"Corona](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/April-8-eclipse-pic-22.jpg\")
Corona of the total solar eclipse on April 8 2024 captured by Sam Lino, Austin, Texas, USA. Equipment: Fujifilm Xpro3, Fujifilm XF 70-300mm f\/4-5.6 R LM OIS WR Lens<\/p>\n![\"Eclipse-chasers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/usa-eclipses-9d32f37.jpg\")
Eclipse-chasers observing a solar eclipse on 21 August 2017 in Idaho, USA. Photo by Natalie Behring\/Getty Images
\nKey locations and timings for the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse<\/p>\n
\nType
\nMax eclipse (local time)
\nObscuration<\/p>\n
\nTotal
\n20:33 CEST
\n100%<\/p>\n
\nTotal
\n20:27 CEST
\n100%<\/p>\n
\nTotal
\n20:29 CEST
\n100%<\/p>\n
\nTotal
\n20:30 CEST
\n100%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n20:31 CEST
\n99.97%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n20:29 CEST
\n99.8%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:30 WEST
\n99.9%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:36 WEST
\n94.5%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:32 WEST
\n98.2%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:13 BST
\n91.3%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:13 BST
\n93%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:05 BST
\n91%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:08 BST
\n93%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n19:10 IST
\n94%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n13:54 EDT
\n9.5%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n13:55 EDT
\n16%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n12:28 CDT
\n0.1%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n08:21 AKDT
\n27.9%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n15:35 NDT
\n53.2%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n13:45 EDT
\n18.4%<\/p>\n
\nPartial
\n12:02 CDT
\n5.4%<\/p>\n
\n![\"Eclipse](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/eclipse-2024-canada.jpg\")
Eclipse chasers don eclipse glasses to see the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Credit: Lokman Vural Elibol\/Anadolu via Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/best-solar-telescopes.jpg\")
A solar telescope will give you safe, up-close views of the 12 August solar eclipse<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/solar-eclipse-projection-colander.jpg\")
A kitchen colander can be used to project the shadow of lots of mini solar eclipses on the ground! Photo by Jeff Gritchen\/Orange County Register via Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/eclipse-shadow-leaves-tree.jpg\")
The crescent-shaped shadow of an eclipse seen on the ground as sunlight from a solar eclipse passes through gaps created by leaves on a tree, Jakarta Planetarium, Ismail Marzuki Park, Jakarta, 26 December 2019. Photo by Aditya Irawan\/NurPhoto via Getty Images<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Solarprojectionscreen_Step6-644768f.jpg\")
A solar projection screen is a good way of projecting the view of the 12 August 2026 solar eclipse for all to see<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-57206006-d157f73-e1610550192577.jpg\")
The projection of a partial solar eclipse in New Delhi, India, 29 March 2006. CreditL Manan Vatsyayana\/AFP via Getty Images<\/p>\n