Total Solar Eclipse of August 12, 2026 — Interactive 3D Map
Totality Clock
17:00 UTC
August 12, 2026
Everything the map is showing you
Up to 2m 18s of totality
The longest totality — 2 minutes 18.2 seconds — happens in the North Atlantic at 17:45:54 UTC, where the path is about 294 km wide. Iceland and Spain get the longest totality on land.
Europe's first since 1999
No total solar eclipse has crossed Europe since August 11, 1999. For Reykjavík it is the first since 1433, and for Spain the first in over a century — with the next not until 2027, one year later, in the south.
A sunset eclipse in Spain
Totality reaches Spain around 20:30 local time with the sun only 3–10° above the western horizon. A clear view to the west is essential — hills, buildings, or haze can hide the whole show.
Closer to the pole than any on record
The shadow's centerline crests at 87.8°N — just 246 km from the North Pole — before reversing south. No total eclipse in modern records has traveled this close to 90°N.
More about this eclipse — timeline, safety & FAQ
On August 12, 2026, the Moon's shadow races from the Siberian Arctic past the North Pole, across Greenland and Iceland, and down to Spain — the first total solar eclipse over Europe since 1999. Every line on this map is real NASA geometry, and every time it gives you is computed from NASA's published eclipse elements for your exact spot.
The global timeline
These are the worldwide milestones in UTC — each happens at a different place along the path. Search your own location above for your exact local times.
- 15:34 UTC First partial eclipse begins (Arctic Russia)
- 16:58 UTC Totality first touches Earth
- 17:46 UTC Greatest eclipse (North Atlantic)
- 18:34 UTC Totality leaves Earth (near Spain)
- 19:57 UTC Last partial eclipse ends
Looking at it safely
During every partial phase — everywhere on Earth — you need ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to look at the sun; sunglasses are never enough. Only inside the path of totality, and only during the brief minutes when the Moon completely covers the sun, is it safe to look with the naked eye. The instant the first sliver of sun reappears, the glasses go back on.
Frequently asked questions
Where will the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse be visible?
The path of totality crosses Arctic Russia, the Arctic Ocean, eastern Greenland, western Iceland (including Reykjavík), and northern and eastern Spain, ending near the Balearic Islands. A partial eclipse is visible across almost all of Europe, northern Africa, and much of North America.
What time does the eclipse happen where I live?
It depends on your location — the shadow takes about 90 minutes to cross the globe. Search your city or tap your location on the map above to get exact local times for the start, maximum, and end of the eclipse, computed from NASA's eclipse elements.
How long does totality last in 2026?
The maximum is 2 minutes 18 seconds, out in the North Atlantic. On land, western Iceland sees up to about 2 minutes, Greenland's coast just over 2 minutes, and Spanish cities like Zaragoza around 1 minute 24 seconds.
Do I need eclipse glasses for this eclipse?
Yes. Every partial phase — before and after totality, and the whole event if you are outside the path — requires ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses. Only during full totality, inside the path, can you safely look without protection.
What will I see if I'm outside the path of totality?
A deep partial eclipse across most of Europe: London sees about 92% of the sun covered, Paris and Berlin around 85–90%. It gets noticeably dim and cool, but you won't see the corona — that is reserved for the path of totality, which is why many travelers head to Iceland or Spain.
How accurate are the times on this map?
Contact times are computed from NASA GSFC's published Besselian elements (Fred Espenak's predictions) and are typically accurate to within a few seconds. Local terrain and your exact horizon are not modeled, so a low sun may set behind hills slightly earlier than the math says.
Upcoming eclipse maps
Where will you chase the next shadow?
Open another NASA-based 3D map — follow the path, tap any city for local times, and plan the eclipse you don’t want to miss.
- 2027Ring of fire
Feb 6, 2027
Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and West Africa
Explore this map - 2027Total
Aug 2, 2027
Spain, North Africa, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula
Explore this map - 2028Ring of fire
Jan 26, 2028
Galápagos, the Amazon, Portugal, and Spain
Explore this map - 2028Total
Jul 22, 2028
northern Australia and southern New Zealand
Explore this map - 2030Ring of fire
Jun 1, 2030
North Africa, the Mediterranean, Russia, China, and Japan
Explore this map - 2030Total
Nov 25, 2030
Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Australia
Explore this map - 2034Total
Mar 20, 2034
West Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India, and China
Explore this map
Be eclipse-ready
View it safely - stock up before the rush
ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses are the standard for direct solar viewing. Order your Helioclipse glasses in time for eclipse day and plan your trip with confidence.