WASHINGTON, August 1, 2026 — A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and Spain on August 12, bringing mainland Spain its first experience of totality in more than a century.
The eclipse will begin in the Arctic and travel southward across an approximately 8,260-kilometre path, most of it over the Atlantic Ocean. The moon’s shadow is expected to complete the journey in about 90 minutes.
Maximum totality will occur west of Iceland and last approximately two minutes and 18 seconds. By the time the eclipse reaches Portugal and Spain, observers in the central path will experience around one minute of complete darkness.
A partial eclipse will be visible across broader areas of Europe and West Africa, as well as parts of Canada, Alaska and the United States. NASA and the European Space Agency are preparing scientific observations and public coverage.
Viewers must use certified solar-eclipse glasses while any part of the sun remains visible. Ordinary sunglasses, cameras, binoculars or telescopes without appropriate solar filters do not provide adequate protection.
Why it matters: The eclipse will allow scientists to study the sun’s corona and short-term atmospheric changes. It is also expected to attract large numbers of visitors to Iceland and Spain.
