When Is the Solar Eclipse in 2026? Total and Partial Viewing Guide

The total solar eclipse of 2026 occurs on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Moon will fully block the Sun along a narrow path that crosses Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and nearby regions, while much of northern Europe, Canada, and the northern United States will see a partial eclipse instead. If you are searching when is the eclipse, eclipse 2026, or next eclipse, that August date is the headline event for the year — and NASA publishes authoritative maps and timing tools you should use to confirm local circumstances.

What Happens During the August 12, 2026 Eclipse

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on the surface below. Observers inside the path of totality see the Sun's corona for a brief period — often one to three minutes depending on location — while those outside that path see only a partial eclipse, where part of the Sun remains visible.

NASA and other astronomy organizations model the central path months and years in advance. For 2026, totality is expected to sweep across:

• Greenland — among the first land areas to experience totality
• Iceland — popular with eclipse chasers for clear-sky potential
• Spain — the path continues across the Iberian Peninsula before moving toward the Mediterranean

Outside totality, a partial phase extends over a much wider area, including parts of northern and western Europe, eastern Canada, and northern US states such as portions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and areas around the Great Lakes depending on exact coordinates.

Always check an official eclipse map tied to your city — partial coverage percentages change dramatically over short distances.

How to Find Exact Times for Your Location

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center maintains eclipse resources at [eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov](https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov). Use their interactive tools to enter your latitude and longitude for:

• First contact — when the partial phase begins
• Maximum eclipse — peak coverage at your site
• Last contact — when the partial phase ends
• Totality start and end — only if you are inside the path of totality

Third-party sites like timeanddate.com also publish city-level tables. Cross-check against NASA when planning travel or photography — a few minutes of error can mean missing totality entirely.

Eye Safety: Non-Negotiable Rules

Looking at the Sun without proper protection causes permanent eye damage, including solar retinopathy. This applies during every partial phase — and during totality only when the Sun is fully covered and you are in the path of totality.

Safe viewing methods

• ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses — inspect for scratches or damage; do not use with binoculars unless designed for it
• Pinhole projection — project an image onto paper; never look through the pinhole at the Sun
• Solar filters on telescopes or binoculars — must be mounted on the front of the optics, not eyepiece filters alone

During totality only

When the Moon completely covers the Sun and the sky darkens, observers in totality may briefly look directly — but put glasses back on the instant the diamond ring or Bailey's beads reappear. Partial phases resume immediately after totality ends.

NASA's safety guidance is the reference standard. Do not rely on sunglasses, smoked glass, or unverified filters sold online.

Partial Lunar Eclipse: August 28, 2026

Later the same month, a partial lunar eclipse occurs on Friday, August 28, 2026. During a lunar eclipse, Earth casts a shadow on the Moon — visible from anywhere on the night side of Earth where the Moon is above the horizon. Lunar eclipses require no special eye protection and are easier to watch casually than solar events.

The August 2026 lunar eclipse is a useful reminder that eclipse seasons often cluster — but the solar eclipse on August 12 is the event driving most eclipse 2026 search traffic because of its rarity and travel appeal.

Planning a Trip to the Path of Totality

Totality paths are narrow — sometimes only about 100 miles wide. Hotels and flights along popular segments in Iceland and Spain fill early for major eclipses.

If you are considering travel:

1. Confirm you are inside the central line or acceptable edge of totality using NASA maps

2. Build weather contingency — coastal and mountain regions vary; have a mobility plan

3. Arrive at least one day early — traffic surges on eclipse day

4. Pack certified glasses for every person in your group

Partial viewers at home still get a memorable show — just not the full corona experience.

Why "Next Eclipse" Searches Spike

Eclipse interest follows a predictable cycle. After a visible eclipse in one region, global searches for next eclipse rise for years. The August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse is the next major total event widely discussed in North American and European media cycles, which is why when is the eclipse queries climb in mid-2026 even for people who will only see a partial phase.

Bookmark NASA's eclipse page and set a calendar reminder for local maximum time once you know your coordinates.

FAQ

When is the total solar eclipse in 2026?

The total solar eclipse is August 12, 2026. Totality crosses Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and nearby areas; partial views extend into northern Europe, Canada, and parts of the northern US.

Can I see the 2026 eclipse from the United States?

Parts of the northern US may see a partial eclipse, not totality. Check NASA or timeanddate.com for your city's coverage percentage.

Do I need special glasses for the whole event?

Yes for all partial phases. Only during full totality inside the path may you look without glasses — and only for that brief window.

Is there another eclipse in 2026?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs August 28, 2026, visible where the Moon is up at night.

Where should I get official eclipse information?

Start with NASA's eclipse website (eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov) for maps, times, and safety guidance.

The Takeaway

The 2026 total solar eclipse is on August 12, with totality across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain and partial viewing across much of northern Europe, Canada, and the northern US. Use NASA's tools for local times, never look at the partial Sun without ISO-certified protection, and treat the August 28 partial lunar eclipse as a separate, easier-to-watch event later that month.

*This article is for general informational purposes only. Follow NASA and local authorities for official eclipse timing and safety guidance.*