Where Will You
Watch the Eclipse?

The total solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026. The path of totality stretches from Greenland and Iceland, across the Atlantic, through northern Spain (A Coruña, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia), and into the Mediterranean, ending near Tunisia. Greatest eclipse is at approximately 17:46 UTC.

Key Spanish cities in the path of totality include A Coruña, Bilbao, Zaragoza, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands (Palma and Ibiza). Cities like Madrid and Barcelona will see a very deep partial eclipse (97–99% obscuration) but not totality.

Totality duration varies by location. In Reykjavik, Iceland, expect about 1 minute 2 seconds. In Bilbao, Spain, about 35 seconds. At the center of the path, duration can reach up to 2 minutes 18 seconds near greatest eclipse.

During the partial phases, you MUST use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. During totality ONLY — when the Moon completely covers the Sun — you can look with the naked eye. Remove glasses immediately when the corona appears, and put them back on the moment the Sun begins to re-emerge.

In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the solar corona and causing daytime darkness. This only happens within the narrow path of totality (typically 100–200 km wide). Outside that path, observers see a partial eclipse where the Moon covers only part of the Sun — still spectacular but missing totality's dramatic effects.

During totality you'll see the solar corona — the Sun's outer atmosphere — appear as a luminous pearly-white crown around the dark Moon. Planets and bright stars become visible, the sky turns twilight dark, temperatures drop, and animals may behave strangely. The "diamond ring" effect appears at the start and end of totality.

Bilbao, A Coruña, and Zaragoza are popular choices for Spain. For longest totality, aim for the centerline of the path. Weather statistics favor inland locations over coastal areas. Valencia and the Balearic Islands also offer totality with generally good summer weather.

Yes — during totality, point your phone at the corona without any filter. During partial phases, use a solar filter or ISO 12312-2 certified solar viewing glasses placed over the lens. Never look through an unfiltered camera or phone at the partial phases — serious eye damage can result.

Eclipse calculations use the Astronomy Engine library (NASA JPL Horizons-grade precision). Times are accurate to within a few seconds. Always cross-check with local astronomical society announcements before planning travel.

The next total solar eclipse with a path crossing mainland Europe after 2026 will not occur until August 12, 2026 itself, making this a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Spaniards. The previous total eclipse visible from Spain was in 1900. After 2026, the next totality over parts of Europe occurs in 2027 (North Africa/Mediterranean) and 2033.