A total solar eclipse will pass over Spain and Iceland on Aug. 12, 2026 [1].
This astronomical event marks the first time in over 100 years that a total eclipse is visible from the Iberian Peninsula [4]. The rarity of the alignment has drawn significant public interest and high-level scientific missions to the region.
NASA is deploying specialized equipment to capture the event. The agency is using balloons and WB-57 aircraft to photograph the solar corona from an altitude of 15,000 meters [2]. These high-altitude observations allow scientists to study the sun's outer atmosphere without the interference of the lower atmosphere.
In Spain, the partial phase of the eclipse is expected to begin between 7:30 p.m. and 7:38 p.m. local time [3]. Observers across the path of totality in Spain and Iceland are preparing for the moment the moon completely obscures the sun.
Beyond the total blackout, astronomers are anticipating the appearance of Baily's beads. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight streams through the rugged lunar valleys just before and after totality. Because the event is being broadcast live, millions of people outside the path of totality can observe the transition in real time.
The event represents a major coordination effort between international space agencies and local governments to manage the influx of tourists and researchers. Local authorities have provided guidance on safe viewing practices to prevent permanent eye damage during the partial phases.
“The first total eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century”
The 2026 eclipse provides a rare opportunity for ground-based and aerial solar research in Europe. By utilizing high-altitude aircraft like the WB-57, NASA can obtain clearer data on the solar corona than is possible from the surface, contributing to the broader understanding of solar wind and space weather that can affect satellite communications on Earth.
