A major astronomical event is set to captivate observers worldwide as a total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, will occur on August 12, 2026, marking the second solar eclipse of the year.
The eclipse will be total and clearly visible across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small part of Portugal, while appearing as a partial eclipse across large portions of Europe, Africa, North America, and surrounding oceans.
The event holds particular significance for Iceland, as it will mark the first total solar eclipse visible there since June 30, 1954.
It is also a rare occurrence in the current century, with the next comparable event not expected until 2196.
Astronomers note that the lunar perigee will take place on August 10, 2026, just two days before the eclipse.
This timing means the Moon will appear slightly larger in the sky, enhancing the visual impact of the total eclipse.
The path of totality will cross northern Spain, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean, including the Balearic Islands.
Cities such as Valencia, Zaragoza, Palma, and Bilbao will experience total darkness, while Madrid and Barcelona will remain outside the path of totality.
Historically, the last total solar eclipse visible in Europe occurred on March 29, 2006, while the last one to pass over mainland European Union territory dates back to August 11, 1999.
In Spain, the previous total eclipse was recorded on August 30, 1905, following a similar trajectory across the country.
Looking ahead, another total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain less than a year later, on August 2, 2027.
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