A spectacular total solar eclipse will darken sections of Europe next month, culminating in a brief period of totality over Spain. The European Space Agency is set to livestream the event with expert commentary and multiple telescope views, inviting viewers worldwide to witness this celestial phenomenon.
- Total eclipse path crosses Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain
- Live broadcast begins August 12 at 19:30 CEST from Javalambre Observatory
- 1 minute 21 seconds of totality expected in Teruel, Spain
What happened
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across Europe, starting in Greenland and moving through Iceland, northeastern Portugal, and across Spain. This rare event occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness during the day. Observers in the narrow path of totality will witness the Sun’s corona, the normally hidden outer atmosphere, shining faintly around the darkened Sun.
Outside the path of totality, much of Europe will experience a partial eclipse where the Moon appears to take a sizable 'bite' out of the Sun. During totality, environmental changes such as a drop in temperature, shifts in wind patterns, and altered animal behavior may occur, adding to the eclipse’s otherworldly atmosphere.
Why it feels good
The upcoming eclipse offers a spectacular chance to connect with the natural rhythms of the cosmos and experience one of astronomy’s most awe-inspiring events. Watching the Sun’s corona appear is not only visually stunning but also deepens understanding of solar phenomena and the broader universe.
Thanks to the European Space Agency’s live broadcast from the Javalambre Observatory in Spain, anyone around the world can share in this rare event, regardless of cloud cover or location. The broadcast will feature expert commentary, high-resolution telescope feeds, and drone footage, making the science accessible and exciting.
What to enjoy or watch next
Tune in to the ESA Web TV or their official YouTube channel starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT (19:30 CEST) on August 12 for the full live coverage, hosted by Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin along with a panel of ESA scientists and observatory staff. The highlight will be the 1 minute and 21 seconds of totality observed over Javalambre, showing breathtaking views of the eclipsed Sun and its corona.
For viewers fascinated by the science behind eclipses, the broadcast will also explore historically significant eclipses, the physics of the Sun’s atmosphere, and innovative technologies ESA is developing to simulate eclipses in space—inviting everyone to discover the solar system’s wonders from home.