AI Insight
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will traverse parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small portion of Portugal, with the path of totality passing through San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain. During this event, the Moon will completely block the Sun's face as it passes between the Sun and Earth. A partial eclipse will be visible across a much broader region including parts of the United States, most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwest Africa.
Why it matters
Total solar eclipses provide rare opportunities for scientific observation of the Sun's corona and for public engagement with astronomy. This event will be particularly significant for Spain and Portugal as total solar eclipses are infrequent at any given location, typically occurring once every 300-400 years in the same place.
Understand the Science
A total solar eclipse is seen from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. A total solar eclipse – the Moon passing between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun – swept across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. A partial eclipse was visible in parts of the U.S., most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwest Africa.
Relive the eclipse on NASA’s YouTube channel.
Image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls