Total Solar Eclipse

Total Solar Eclipse — August 12, 2026, Spain

78 days
:
05 hrs
:
19 min
:
27 sec
Add to calendar (.ics) Or all 2026 sky events

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, briefly covering the solar disc and turning day to twilight. Totality lasts only a couple of minutes, but during those minutes the Sun's corona becomes visible, the temperature drops, and stars appear in the sky. The 2026 eclipse on August 12 is the first total eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999, with the shadow crossing Spain from Galicia to Mallorca. Because the Sun is only 4–10° above the horizon, you need a clear western view and ISO-certified eclipse glasses for every phase except totality itself.

Path of Totality

A Coruña Oviedo León Bilbao Zaragoza Valencia Palma de Mallorca E → ← W

Path of totality crosses northern Spain from west to east

Exact Times by City

City Totality starts Duration Sun altitude
A Coruña 20:20 CEST 1m 50s 8°
Oviedo 20:22 CEST 1m 55s 7°
León 20:23 CEST 2m 00s 7°
Bilbao 20:24 CEST 2m 05s 6°
Zaragoza 20:28 CEST 2m 15s 5°
Valencia 20:30 CEST 2m 10s 4°
Palma de Mallorca 20:32 CEST 1m 45s 4°
⚠ Low sun warning. The sun is only 4–10° above the horizon during totality. You need a clear, unobstructed view to the west.

How to Watch Safely

  • Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during all partial phases
  • Only during totality (when the sun is completely covered) is it safe to look with the naked eye
  • Camera, binoculars, or telescope: solar filter required at all times except totality
  • Alternative: make a simple pinhole projector from cardboard

◐ ✦ Eclipse + Perseids — The Same Night

New moon = pitch-dark skies after the eclipse.
Perseids peak Aug 12–13: up to 150 meteors per hour.
The best night for sky watching in a generation.

Best Viewing Locations

Quick picks: Valencia coast (best weather + long totality) and Zaragoza hilltops (longest totality).

City-by-city guide →

Set Your Eclipse Reminder

Get notified 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before. No app needed. Free.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total solar eclipse crosses Spain on August 12, 2026. Totality occurs between approximately 20:20 and 20:32 local time (CEST), depending on your location along the path.
The path of totality crosses northern Spain from A Coruña on the Atlantic coast through Oviedo, León, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Valencia, ending at Palma de Mallorca. Cities in this path will experience total darkness for up to 2 minutes and 15 seconds.
Totality lasts between 1 minute 45 seconds (Palma de Mallorca) and 2 minutes 15 seconds (Zaragoza). Valencia and Bilbao get about 2 minutes 5-10 seconds of totality.
You MUST use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses during all partial phases. Only during totality (when the sun is completely covered) is it safe to look with the naked eye. Never look through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without proper solar filters.
Yes! The 2026 eclipse falls on August 12, exactly when the Perseid meteor shower peaks. After the eclipse, the new moon means pitch-dark skies — perfect for meteor watching. You could see up to 150 meteors per hour. This is a once-in-a-generation coincidence.
August is typically dry in Spain, especially along the Mediterranean coast. Valencia and eastern cities have 75-85% clear-sky probability. The Atlantic coast (A Coruña, Bilbao) is less predictable at 50-55% clear-sky odds.
The last total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe was on August 11, 1999, which crossed parts of England, France, Germany, and other countries. The 2026 eclipse is the first in 27 years.
Yes! Click the "Remind me" button anywhere on this page. You'll receive reminders 7 days, 3 days, and 1 day before the eclipse. Free, no app needed.

Latest from Sky Alert