Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Europe's First Since 1999
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun and blocks the Sun's light.
When it covers the whole Sun, we call it a total solar eclipse and the sky gets dark.
On August 12, people in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will see a total solar eclipse.
This is the first total solar eclipse in Europe since 1999.
People in other parts of Europe will see a partial eclipse, where the Moon only covers part of the Sun.
The Moon covers the Sun because the two line up just right, which only happens a few times a year.
During the eclipse, people can see the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, which is usually too bright to see.
Scientists from space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency will study it.
They want to learn more about the corona because it is extremely hot.
On August 12, millions of people across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain will witness a total solar eclipse.
It is Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999.
A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, with more than 90% of the sun covered in London, Paris, and Dublin.
The eclipse will unfold over roughly 96 minutes and reveal the solar corona, which is normally hidden by the Sun's glare.
The European Space Agency and NASA plan to use the event to gather data on the Sun's corona, where temperatures reach close to a million degrees.
- Who
- Millions of people across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, along with scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
- What
- A total solar eclipse, Europe's first since 1999, with a partial eclipse visible across much of Europe.
- When
- August 12, 2026.
- Where
- Greenland, Iceland, and Spain for the total eclipse; much of Europe, including London, Paris, and Dublin, for the partial eclipse.
- Why
- The Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking its light; scientists will use the event to gather data about the Sun's corona.
- Date
- August 12, 2026
- Event Type
- Total solar eclipse
- Primary Viewing Locations
- Greenland, Iceland, Spain
- Significance
- Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999
- Duration
- Roughly 96 minutes
- Partial Eclipse Coverage
- More than 90% of the Sun in London, Paris, and Dublin
- Science Goal
- Data collection on the solar corona, where temperatures reach close to a million degrees
- Participating Agencies
- European Space Agency (ESA), NASA