Total solar eclipse 12 August 2026
The path of totality crosses Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain. Most of Europe, North Africa and the north-east of North America see a partial eclipse.
When
What it is
The Moon covers the Sun completely for up to 2 min 18 s. The sky darkens, bright stars and planets appear and the Sun’s corona shines around the black disc.
Where it’s visible
The path of totality crosses Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain. Most of Europe, North Africa and the north-east of North America see a partial eclipse.
How to see it
Never look at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) or a solar filter — even when most of it is covered. Binoculars and telescopes need a filter in front of the lens. Only during totality itself is it safe to look with the naked eye.
Check the clouds for that night
See also
Mercury at greatest western elongation, 2 August 2026
Mercury is 19.5° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the east before sunrise.
Perseids meteor shower 2026
Peak night, up to 100 meteors an hour under a dark sky. The Moon is almost out of the way — a good year.
Venus at greatest eastern elongation, 15 August 2026
Venus is 45.9° from the Sun — the best time to find it low in the west after sunset.
Partial lunar eclipse 28 August 2026
Visible wherever the Moon is up: the Americas, Europe and Africa.
Annular solar eclipse 6 February 2027
The “ring of fire” crosses southern Chile and Argentina, the South Atlantic and West Africa. South America and much of Africa see a partial eclipse.
Penumbral lunar eclipse 20 February 2027
Visible wherever the Moon is up: the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia.