Solar eclipse begins over Greenland and Iceland, with Spain in focus

A total solar eclipse, with Spain as the primary viewing location, has commenced its visibility in Greenland and Iceland. The celestial event began its journey over the Bering Sea at 15:34 GMT on August 12, 2026.

The eclipse's path of totality will traverse the Arctic Ocean, northeastern Greenland, and western Iceland before crossing the Atlantic and entering the Iberian Peninsula from west to east. The phenomenon's global duration is estimated at 264 minutes, nearly four and a half hours, concluding in the Atlantic Ocean.

The peak of the eclipse is anticipated around 17:46 GMT near Iceland, where totality will last for 2 minutes and 18 seconds, exceeding the duration observed in Spain. In Nuuk, Greenland's capital, the eclipse started at 16:30 GMT, reaching Tasiilaq on the east coast about seven minutes later. Greenland, a sparsely populated autonomous Danish territory, will see the eclipse pass over its most uninhabited and inaccessible regions, much of which is covered by ice.

Iceland is marking its first total solar eclipse in 72 years, and the first visible in Reykjavik since 1433. Thousands of tourists have flocked to Iceland's west coast, including its capital, despite predictions of cloud cover and rain. Authorities have established access points, implemented traffic restrictions, and bolstered emergency services, police, and firefighters. Visitors are advised to arrive early, bring supplies, and prepare for traffic congestion on the island's modest road network.

In Hafnarfjörður, near Reykjavik, artist Björk is organizing a "solar rave" to celebrate the eclipse, performing as a DJ alongside other local musicians.