Total solar eclipse 2026: Date and viewing locations announced

Stargazers across Europe, North America, and the Arctic can anticipate a spectacular celestial event on August 12, 2026: a total solar eclipse. NASA has confirmed the trajectory of this phenomenon, which promises a breathtaking display of the cosmos.

“

The use of special glasses, manufactured under the international standard ISO 12.312-2, is mandatory during all partial phases.

The eclipse's journey will commence in the far north of Siberia, traversing the Arctic and the North Atlantic. It will then grace Greenland and Iceland with its presence before reaching its peak visibility in Spain and a small region of northwestern Portugal. While the path of totality will offer the most dramatic views, many other areas will witness a partial eclipse.

“

Specialists recalled that conventional sunglasses do not offer sufficient protection against solar rays.

Regions directly in the path of totality will experience the Sun being obscured for less than two minutes. However, select locations in Russia, Greenland, and the North Atlantic will enjoy slightly longer durations, though still under two and a half minutes. For much of Canada, northwestern Africa, and parts of the United States, the eclipse will appear as a fainter, partial event, with the Moon only appearing to graze the solar disk.

“

They also prohibited looking at the phenomenon through cameras, telescopes, or binoculars without specific solar filters, as concentrated radiation causes serious eye injuries.

NASA strongly advises the public to prioritize eye safety during the event. It is mandatory to use special eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12.312-2 international safety standard when observing any partial phases. Regular sunglasses are insufficient for protection. The agency also warns against using cameras, telescopes, or binoculars without specific solar filters, as concentrated radiation can cause severe eye damage. Direct viewing without protection is only safe during the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's light.

“

Only during the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely blocks the sunlight, does the sky darken and allow direct observation without filters.