One of the most anticipated astronomical events of 2026 is about to happen, with only one month left until the total solar eclipse. On August 12th, millions of people will be able to witness this phenomenon, whose path of totality will cross regions of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
Return of the total eclipse to Europe
This event will not only provide a brief period of daytime darkness for those in the path of totality but will also mark the return of a total solar eclipse to Europe, something that has not happened since 1999, ending a 27-year wait for observers on the continent.
Points of totality observation
For those who wish to witness the eclipse in its most impactful form, it is necessary to plan a trip, as the path of totality covers Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. In Spain, the maximum predicted duration for the eclipse can reach up to two minutes and eighteen seconds. Because the Sun will be very low in the sky during totality, spectators should seek locations with a completely unobstructed view of the western horizon, with Spain being a location expected to attract many visitors due to favorable weather conditions.
Details of highlight locations
Several points have been listed as main locations for observation: Scoresby Sund in Greenland, with a predicted totality of 1 minute and 46 seconds at 2:35 PM (Brasília time), when the Sun will be 24° above the western horizon. In Reykjavik, Iceland, the estimated duration is 1 minute and 1 second, at 2:48 PM (Brasília time), with the Sun at 25° above the west. Other locations in Iceland include Snæfellsjökull National Park, with 2 minutes and 10 seconds at 2:45 PM (Brasília time), also with the Sun at 25° above the west.
In Spain, there are several notable points: Gijón, with 1 minute and 46 seconds at 3:26 PM (Brasília time), 10° above west-northwest; A Coruña, with 1 minute and 15 seconds at 3:27 PM (Brasília time), 12° above west-northwest; Palencia, with 1 minute and 42 seconds at 3:29 PM (Brasília time), 9° above west-northwest; Burgos, with 1 minute and 44 seconds at 3:28 PM (Brasília time), 8° above west-northwest; Segovia, with 54 seconds at 3:31 PM (Brasília time), 8° above west-northwest; Sigüenza, with 1 minute and 38 seconds at 3:30 PM (Brasília time), 7° above west-northwest; and Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, with 1 minute and 36 seconds at 3:31 PM (Brasília time), with the Sun only 2.7° above the west-northwest horizon.
Partial observation in other countries
Even those outside the path of totality can watch the event as a partial solar eclipse. A large part of Europe will show considerable coverage of the solar disk, exceeding 90% in some cities. The predicted coverage percentages vary: New York (USA) will register 9%; St. John's, Newfoundland (Canada) will have 53%; Nuuk (Greenland) will reach 79%; Oslo (Norway) will have 83%; Berlin (Germany) will reach 84%; London (UK) will show 91%; Paris (France) will have 92%; Tangier (Morocco) and Dublin (Ireland) will register 92% and 94%, respectively; Lisbon (Portugal) will have 94%; Nice (France) will reach 95%; while Madrid and Barcelona (Spain) will show coverages close to totality, with 99.96% and 99.82%, respectively, despite being outside the main path.

