Total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026 live updates - 5 days to totality
Europe is preparing for its first total solar eclipse since 1999, scheduled for August 12, 2026, with paths of totality crossing Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Media outlets are deploying teams to these locations to provide live coverage and participate in citizen science initiatives.
Why it matters
Total solar eclipses are rare astronomical events that provide unique opportunities for scientific research and public engagement with space science.
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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