13/08/2026
Where can August 12 solar eclipse be seen?
On August 12, a remote region of northern Russia will be the first to see the total eclipse.
The “path of totality”, as it is known, will then cross over Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
In Spain, it will roughly move from the northern city of Oviedo to the island of Mallorca.
How long will it last?
For observers in Spain, the total eclipse will last under two minutes just before sunset.
The northern city of Burgos, for example, will be plunged into darkness for exactly one minute and 48 seconds.
It will last slightly longer in parts of Russia and Greenland, though still under two-and-a-half minutes.
However, partial eclipses — which occur as the Moon starts and finishes crossing the Sun — will last around one hour and 45 minutes.
Partial eclipses will also be visible in most of Europe, Canada, the northern United States and northwest Africa.
‘Eclipse of the century’
One or two solar eclipses occur roughly every year. However the small band of totality means that the same area may wait 400 years before seeing another one.
On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Some media have dubbed it the “eclipse of the century” because its totality will last six minutes and 23 seconds, the longest of the 21st century.
Spain will be treated yet again on January 26, 2028, when an annular — or “ring of fire” — eclipse will cross southern areas.
Do you need protection?
Yes. It is important not to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse — it can cause serious eye damage.
