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On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse crossed Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, with Spain experiencing its first major total solar eclipse since 1905. The featured image shows the eclipse viewed from Zaragoza, Spain, capturing the solar corona visible when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's disk. During totality, observers experienced temperature drops, changes in animal behavior, and the opportunity to study the Sun's corona, which remains millions of degrees hotter than the Sun's surface.
Why it matters
Total solar eclipses provide rare opportunities for scientists to study the solar corona and understand why it is significantly hotter than the Sun's surface. Citizen science contributions during eclipses, including wildlife behavior documentation, corona imaging, and atmospheric measurements, help advance solar research and our understanding of the Sun's impact on Earth's environment.
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Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain
Explanation: On August 12th, 2026, the Moon totally eclipsed the Sun and cast its shadow across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. Today’s image features two total solar eclipses viewed from Zaragoza, Spain, one over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the other reflecting in the Ebro River. For a few moments, Spain saw its first major total solar eclipse since 1905. Those witnessing totality may experience a chill in the air, the quieting of birds, the confused chirps of insects, and the shared awe of many. It’s the corona’s time to shine as the Sun’s bright disk is blocked by the Moon. Among other reasons to study eclipses, they help scientists understand why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s surface. Enthusiastic citizens can contribute to these studies by recording how wildlife responds, imaging the corona, and monitoring air temperature and clouds.
More spectacular eclipse images: Solar Eclipse of 2026 August 12
Tomorrow’s picture: a mystery
| Date: | August 13, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Credit & Copyright: | Ruiyu Zhang |
| Authors & editors: | Keighley Rockcliffe, Robert Nemiroff, Jerry Bonnell, Cecilia Chirenti |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |
Source: APOD: 2026 August 13 – Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain