The story

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland and Spain along a path of totality 183 miles wide. The eclipse marks Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999. Maximum totality will last up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds in some locations. Spain is expected to be a popular destination due to favorable weather prospects, with cities like Burgos and Palencia offering totality lasting over a minute and a half. In the Balearic Islands, viewers will witness a rare sunset eclipse around 8:31 p.m. local time, with the sun just 1 to 3 degrees above the horizon.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, with more than 90% of the sun covered from locations including London, Paris and Dublin. In the U.S., the farther northeast you are, the bigger the partial eclipse. Maine's Presque Isle will see about 28% of the sun covered at 1:50 p.m. EDT, while Fairbanks, Alaska will see about 37% at 8:27 a.m. AKDT. In Canada, Iqaluit in Nunavut will see about 61% of the sun blocked at 1:24 p.m. EDT, and St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador will see about 53% at 3:34 p.m. NDT.

The same night, the Perseid meteor shower will peak during the new moon, the optimal time for viewing. NASA considers the Perseid the best meteor shower of the year. A total solar eclipse usually only happens about once every 18 months. The last total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, 2024. The next total solar eclipse opportunity will occur on Aug. 2, 2027, visible in southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.