Total solar eclipse on August 12 will cross Greenland, Iceland and Spain in Europe's first since 1999
On August 12, the Moon's shadow will sweep from the Arctic Ocean to northern Spain, producing the first total solar eclipse in Europe since 1999, while Italy sees a deep partial eclipse exceeding 90% coverage in northern regions.
A total eclipse from the Arctic to Spain
On August 12, 2026, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, producing a total solar eclipse visible from a narrow corridor stretching from the Arctic Ocean across Greenland, Iceland, and the North Atlantic to northern Spain and a small slice of Portugal. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible in Europe since 1999. The Moon's shadow will first touch Earth over the Arctic Ocean, northeast of Greenland, then sweep across southwestern Iceland near Reykjavik, travel at high speed over the North Atlantic, reach the coast of Galicia in northwestern Spain, and move inland through Castilla y León. Cities along the central line of totality include Burgos, León, and Zaragoza, which will offer the best combination of duration, accessibility, and weather. The shadow will continue over the Balearic Islands before leaving Earth over North Africa (Algeria and Tunisia) at sunset, ending with a final glimmer over the Sahara.
- Moon's shadow first touches Earth northeast of Greenland
- Total eclipse occurs at noon local time
- Sun darkened in late afternoon
- Totality near Reykjavik and Vík area, late afternoon or early evening
- Shadow travels at high speed between Iceland and the Iberian peninsula
- Shadow reaches the northwestern Spanish coast
- Longest totality periods over Burgos, León and Zaragoza
- Shadow passes over the islands
- Shadow leaves Earth over Algeria and Tunisia at sunset
- Eclipse ends with a final twilight glimmer
Totality duration and path width
The band of totality will measure approximately 260 to 320 kilometers in width, with a maximum of nearly 294 kilometers, according to NASA. In the most favorable zones, totality could last up to about 2 minutes and 15 seconds. For most locations along the path, the total phase will last less than two minutes. In Somosierra, a mountain village of 93 inhabitants at 1,440 meters altitude about an hour's drive from Madrid, spectators will see 1 minute and 29 seconds of total darkness. The village is the closest point to Madrid within the totality band, where the total phase is expected between 20:30 and 20:31 local time. Irma López Muñoz, the town's tourism official, said volunteers are being trained to manage traffic and safety for an influx that could far exceed the resident population.
Italy sees a deep partial eclipse
Italy will remain outside the totality corridor, but the partial eclipse will be pronounced, especially in northern and western regions. The National Institute of Astrophysics (INAF) identifies Piedmont, Valle d'Aosta, Liguria, Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, and Sardinia as the most favored areas, with solar disk coverage exceeding 90 percent. The Royal Observatory of Greenwich estimates coverage between 88 and 95 percent for parts of northern Italy. According to Timeanddate calculations, Turin will see 93.3% coverage, Genoa 93.6%, Bologna 92.7%, Milan 92.3%, and Venice 91.3%. Rome will reach about 69%, while Naples will see only about 46%.
- Genoa
- 93.6 %
- Turin
- 93.3 %
- Bologna
- 92.7 %
- Milan
- 92.3 %
- Venice
- 91.3 %
- Rome
- 69 %
- Naples
- 46 %
Timing across Italian cities
The eclipse will occur near sunset in Italy, making a clear western horizon essential. In Milan the phenomenon will begin around 19:27 and reach maximum at 20:20. Turin will start at 19:28 with maximum at 20:21. Genoa begins at 19:29, peaking at 20:22. Bologna's maximum is set for 20:21, Venice's for 20:19. Further south, Rome will see the eclipse start at 19:32 with maximum around 20:11, and Naples will peak shortly after 20:00. Palermo's maximum will come at 20:01. NASA notes that across much of Western Europe the event will produce the rare effect of an eclipsed Sun at sunset.
Safety and the Perseids
The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a warning stressing that specific eye protection is required: standard sunglasses are insufficient. Certified eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard are the safe option. Looking directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent retinal damage (solar retinopathy) that may manifest hours or days later. INAF will stream the event live from 19:30 on August 12, in collaboration with the Unione Astrofili Italiani. The eclipse also coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and a new moon, offering particularly dark skies for meteor observation after sunset. Google Trends data shows Italian searches for the event doubled in the past week, with the term "eclipse camera filter" rising 490%. The next total solar eclipse visible from Italian soil will not occur until September 3, 2081.
