Partial solar eclipse and Perseid peak converge over Poland on 12 August

Partial eclipse over Poland

On Wednesday, 12 August, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across all of Poland, with the Moon covering between 70 and 88 percent of the solar disk depending on location. The deepest phase will reach approximately 88 percent in the Kłodzka Valley, while the Mazury region will see up to 85 percent coverage. The eclipse will begin between roughly 19:10 and 19:20 local time, with the maximum phase occurring just before sunset, between about 20:05 and 20:12. The Sun will set between approximately 20:00 in Rzeszów and 20:30 in Szczecin, meaning the formal end of the eclipse will occur below the horizon for most observers.

According to the "Almanach astronomiczny na rok 2026" published by the Polskie Towarzystwo Astronomiczne (PTA), the maximum eclipse phase varies significantly by city. Wrocław will reach 0.874, Poznań 0.867, Szczecin 0.867, Łódź 0.866, Gdańsk 0.855, Warsaw 0.861, Białystok 0.792, and Kraków 0.711. In cities east of the Olsztyn-Łódź-Opole line, including Białystok and Kraków, the maximum phase will occur after sunset, limiting what observers can see. The Bieszczady mountains will see only 42 percent of the disk covered.

Path of totality

The total eclipse will pass through the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. NASA confirms that within the path of totality the Moon will completely cover the Sun. The longest total phase will last approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds. In Spain the total phase will last about 140 seconds, while in Iceland it will range from 60 to 100 seconds, with only the western parts of the island in the path. Mallorca, entirely within the path, faces a different challenge: its mountainous terrain will block the horizon in many locations. Authorities in Iceland and Mallorca expect heavy traffic congestion as large numbers of visitors travel to optimal viewing points.

Perseid meteor shower

The night of 12 to 13 August will also bring the maximum of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most active and well-known meteor showers. NASA notes that conditions will be exceptionally favorable this year because the Moon will be in its new phase, so its light will not interfere with meteor visibility. Under ideal conditions, observers may see up to 100 meteors per hour. The Perseids will be visible nearly all night, with the radiant point located in the constellation Perseus. Best viewing conditions will be away from city lights.

Observation and safety

The eclipse will occur low on the horizon, just before dusk, making the choice of viewing location critical. Dr Paweł Preś of the Astronomical Institute of the University of Wrocław emphasizes finding a spot with a clear northwestern horizon.

The eclipse will take place close to the horizon, hence it is essential to find in advance a place with a clear northwestern horizon. Nothing can obstruct the Sun and the Moon for us.

Karol Wójcicki from the blog "Z Głową w Gwiazdach" advises choosing open terrain: avoid buildings and trees, and pick a vast meadow, the edge of a field, or a lake, or climb a small hill. NASA warns that standard sunglasses are insufficient and that ISO 12312-2 certified solar glasses or filters are required throughout the partial eclipse. Looking through binoculars, telescopes, or camera lenses without proper filters is dangerous. Dr Dawid Moźdzerski also warns against smoked glass and X-ray film, as they transmit dangerous UV radiation. ND5 film glasses, available online for under 10 złoty, are recommended. A pinhole projector offers an alternative for indirect observation.

Historical context

This will be the deepest partial eclipse visible from Poland in 27 years, since the total eclipse of 11 August 1999. The next total eclipse visible from Europe is expected on 2 August 2027.