2026 Total Solar Eclipse Visible Across Northern Hemisphere Path

A total solar eclipse scheduled for 12 August 2026 will traverse parts of the Northern Hemisphere, offering millions the chance to witness one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena. The path of totality—where the Moon completely covers the Sun—begins over the Arctic Ocean, then moves across eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, and ends over the Mediterranean Sea.

Where totality will be visible

Observers located within the relatively narrow path of totality—just 293 kilometres wide—will experience the full eclipse. During those brief moments, daylight will dim to twilight, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere—the solar corona—will become visible to the naked eye in safe, direct view. This occurs only when the Moon fully obscures the Sun’s bright disk.

Partial eclipse visibility across Europe

A much broader surrounding region will witness a partial solar eclipse. Most of Europe—including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, and the Scandinavian countries—will observe this partial phase. Northern Spain is expected to be among the most popular destinations for eclipse enthusiasts, owing to its relatively accessible location and the low altitude of the Sun in the late afternoon on that day, potentially creating striking visual conditions as totality approaches sunset. Greenland and Iceland offer markedly different viewing experiences: there, totality occurs higher in the sky, set against dramatic polar landscapes.

Safety guidelines for viewing

Regardless of location, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Certified solar eclipse glasses or solar filters mounted on telescopes, binoculars, and cameras must be used throughout all partial phases of the eclipse. Only during the brief period of totality—when the Moon fully blocks the Sun’s disk—is it safe to remove eclipse glasses and view the phenomenon directly with the unaided eye.