Europe is gearing up for its first total solar eclipse since 1999. On August 12, 2026, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. For those located within the narrow path of totality, the sun will be completely obscured, allowing the corona to appear in the sudden midday twilight. Millions of other observers across Europe and parts of North America will see a partial eclipse as the moon takes a bite out of the solar disk.
Our team is currently preparing for live coverage from two distinct locations. Skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic is traveling along the coast of East Greenland aboard an expedition ship. She is positioned to view the event from Scoresby Sund, which holds the title of the world's longest fjord system. Meanwhile, writer Anthony Wood is stationed in Valoria la Buena, Spain. He is participating in the Distributed Eclipse Broadcast initiative, a citizen science project that monitors solar phenomena as the sun sits low on the western horizon near sunset.
Safety remains the primary priority for all observers. If you intend to look at the sun at any point before or after the total phase, you must use certified eclipse glasses. Ensure your glasses meet the ISO 123-12-2 international standard to prevent permanent eye damage. Do not use any gear that shows signs of scratching or structural wear. If you are traveling to the path of totality, acquire these glasses well in advance as local supplies often vanish as the date approaches.
Preparation is key for this celestial event. Whether you are viewing from the Arctic or the Spanish countryside, knowing the exact timing for your specific coordinates is vital for a clear view. We will provide continuous updates throughout the week leading up to the main event. Stay tuned for further reports as our team arrives at their final observation sites and the countdown to totality reaches its final hours.