Total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026 live updates — 4 days to totality - Space
Europe is preparing for its first total solar eclipse since 1999, occurring on August 12, 2026. Reporters are positioned in Greenland and Spain to provide live coverage of the event as the moon obscures the sun.
Why it matters
Total solar eclipses are rare astronomical events that provide significant opportunities for scientific research and public engagement.
On Aug. 12, 2026, Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1999, as the moon's shadow sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. Along the narrow path of totality, day will briefly turn to twilight as the moon completely covers the sun, revealing its elusive outer atmosphere — the corona. Meanwhile, millions more skywatchers across much of Europe, as well as parts of northeastern United States and eastern Canada, will witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun. Live reporting from the path of totality We'll be following the eclipse from two locations along the path of totality. Our skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic is currently aboard HX Expeditions ' MS Spitsbergen exploring Greenland's dramatic coast. She'll be aiming to witness totality from Scoresby Sund, the world's largest and longest fjord system.
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