On August 12, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, creating a striking celestial event visible in mainland Europe for the first time since 2006.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting a narrow shadow on Earth’s surface. This alignment causes the Moon to completely cover the Sun, momentarily darkening the sky and revealing the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere.

During the eclipse, observers will notice a sudden drop in temperature, unusual shadow patterns, and changes in animal behavior. NASA describes this phenomenon as a "cosmic coincidence" because, despite the Sun being about 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther away, allowing the Moon to cover the Sun perfectly from certain vantage points.

Where and When to Watch

  • The eclipse's path of totality will begin over northern Russia, crossing Greenland and Iceland before reaching northern Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
  • In Spain, the shadow will move from Oviedo in the north to the island of Mallorca.
  • The total eclipse in Spain will last less than two minutes just before sunset. For instance, in Burgos, the darkness will persist for approximately one minute and 48 seconds.

Visibility and Duration

While the total phase will be brief, partial phases of the eclipse—when the Moon partially covers the Sun—will last about one hour and 45 minutes and be visible across most of Europe, Canada, northern United States, and northwest Africa.

Frequency and Future Eclipses

Solar eclipses occur about once or twice a year, but the narrow path of totality means any specific location may wait centuries between total eclipses. Spain will experience another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, lasting over six minutes, and an annular "ring of fire" eclipse on January 26, 2028.

Eye Safety

Experts strongly advise against looking directly at the Sun during the eclipse without proper protection, as this can cause permanent eye damage. Approved eclipse glasses meeting ISO 12312-2:2015 standards should be used to safely view the event.

Previous eclipses have led to increased reports of eye discomfort due to unprotected viewing, underscoring the importance of using certified eye protection.