Total Solar Eclipse to Sweep Across Greenland, Iceland and Europe

A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, crossing Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal. A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe and Canada, northwestern Africa and parts of the northern United States. The event will not be visible from India because the Sun will be below the horizon during the eclipse window.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun and completely covers the Sun’s bright surface. The sky may darken, temperatures can fall and bright planets or stars may become temporarily visible. People within the path of totality may also see the solar corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, which is normally hidden by its bright face.

Observers must use safe eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers during every partial phase. Regular sunglasses, regardless of how dark or polarised they are, do not offer sufficient protection. Solar viewers should comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard and must be inspected before use for scratches, tears, punctures or other damage. NASA does not approve specific brands of eclipse viewers.

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Only people located within the path of totality may briefly remove their eye protection, and only when the Moon has completely blocked the Sun’s bright surface. Eclipse glasses must be put back on immediately when even a small portion of the Sun begins to reappear. Anyone outside the path of totality must keep appropriate protection on throughout the entire eclipse.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes require specialised solar filters secured over the front of their lenses. Observers must never look through an unfiltered optical device while wearing eclipse glasses because the concentrated sunlight can damage the viewer and cause severe eye injury. People without suitable glasses can use an indirect method such as a pinhole projector, but must view only the projected image and never look through the opening.

The eclipse is expected to occur during nighttime hours in India, approximately between 9:45 pm on August 12 and 2:15 am on August 13 in Indian Standard Time, making it unobservable from the country. Those watching from visible regions should also use sunscreen, protective clothing and adequate hydration when spending extended periods outdoors. Following proper precautions is essential because direct solar viewing can permanently damage eyesight.

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