Topline
Europe’s biggest skywatching event of 2026 arrives on Aug. 12, when a total solar eclipse crosses Greenland, Iceland and Spain. To experience a total solar eclipse, you must be within its narrow path of totality. However, millions outside the path of totality will still see a deep partial eclipse, including a rare eclipsed sunset across much of central and eastern Europe. For many, it will be the deepest solar eclipse since 1999 — and it occurs on the same day as the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower.
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Britain Will Experience Its Deepest Eclipse In Years
The U.K. will miss totality, but it will experience its most significant partial solar eclipse since 2015. London, Manchester and Glasgow will see a 91% partial, while Cardiff and Belfast will see 93%. Land’s End will reach almost 96%, and parts of the Isles of Scilly will see approximately 96.5%. Maximum eclipse will occur between about 7:05 p.m. and 7:13 p.m. BST. Although the landscape will not become completely dark, daylight may fade slightly.
Europe And Africa Get a Rare Eclipsed Sunset
From the U.K. and Europe, the solar crescent will appear with its horns pointing downward, resembling a frown. For many observers in Europe, the sun will set while still deeply eclipsed. Corsica will see the sun set while it’s 96% eclipsed, with Venice, Italy, at 91% and Warsaw, Poland, at 83%. Clear sight lines to the west-northwestern horizon will provide spectacular photographic opportunities, if the sky is clear. Northwest Africa will also see an eclipsed sunset. Locations near Algiers, Algeira, will see a 98% partial eclipse, with Essaouira, Morocco, at 81%.
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Spain’s trio of eclipses
The total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 will be the first of two major total solar eclipses crossing mainland Europe in the 21st century. The second on Aug. 2, 2027, will see a path of totality across Andalusia in southern Spain, as well as North Africa and the Middle East. Spain will see a third major solar eclipse on Jan. 26, 2028, though it will be an annular “ring of fire” event that must be viewed through eclipse glasses.
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Further reading
ForbesWhy Americans Cannot Ignore August’s Total Solar EclipseBy Jamie CarterForbesTuesday’s New Moon Sets Up A Total Solar Eclipse In 29 DaysBy Jamie CarterForbes50 Days To A Total Solar Eclipse — Where And When To Experience ItBy Jamie Carter