A total solar eclipse is occurring today, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026 [1], casting the Moon’s shadow across parts of Europe and North America [2].
This celestial event marks the second solar eclipse of the year [3]. It is particularly significant for European observers, as the last total solar eclipse over mainland Europe occurred in 1999 [4].
The phenomenon happens because the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun [5]. This alignment blocks the Sun’s light for those located within the narrow path of totality, creating a period of total darkness [5].
According to reports, the path of totality crosses Greenland, the Arctic, and portions of Canada [6]. It also passes through parts of northern Europe, including Spain [6]. While the total eclipse is limited to these regions, partial phases of the event are visible across much of Asia, North America, and Europe [6].
Health experts have issued warnings regarding the safety of viewing the event. "It's never safe to look at the sun with the naked eye," the American Optometric Association said [7].
This event follows the first solar eclipse of the year, which was an annular solar eclipse that took place on May 21, 2026 [3]. For many "eclipse chasers," the August event is the most anticipated of the year due to the total darkness experienced in the path of totality [8].
“"It's never safe to look at the sun with the naked eye."”
The rarity of total solar eclipses over mainland Europe makes this event a significant scientific and tourism driver. Because these alignments only occur in specific narrow corridors, the 2026 eclipse provides a rare opportunity for researchers and the public in Spain and northern Europe to observe the solar corona without waiting another several decades.
