A rare total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, briefly blocking the Sun’s bright disc and plunging parts of the Northern Hemisphere into darkness.
The total phase will be visible only along a narrow path crossing Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small part of Portugal. Several other regions across Europe, Africa and North America will witness a partial eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Will India See It?
No. The August 12 total solar eclipse will not be visible from India, as the country lies outside the eclipse’s zone of visibility. This means people in Indian cities will not be able to observe either the total or partial phase of this particular eclipse.
Those wishing to witness totality will have to travel to locations within the Moon’s narrow shadow path.
Which Countries Will Witness Totality?
The path of totality will cross:
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Northern Russia
- Northern Spain
- A small part of Portugal
Spain is expected to attract a large number of eclipse watchers, with several locations falling within the path of totality.
When Will the Eclipse Occur?
The total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Although the eclipse will unfold over several hours as the Moon’s shadow moves across Earth, totality at any given location will last only a short time. The longest totality will be around 2 minutes and 18 seconds, according to NASA eclipse data.
What Will the Sky Look Like?
During totality, the Moon will completely cover the Sun’s bright surface, causing daytime skies to become noticeably darker. The Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, will become visible around the dark silhouette of the Moon.
This brief appearance of the corona is one of the defining features of a total solar eclipse and cannot be seen during an ordinary partial eclipse.
How to Watch a Solar Eclipse Safely
Anyone observing the partial phases of a solar eclipse must use certified solar-viewing glasses or an appropriate solar filter. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for looking directly at the Sun.
The only time it is safe to look directly at the Sun without eye protection is during the brief period of totality, and only for observers who are actually inside the path of totality. Eye protection must be worn again immediately when any portion of the bright solar disc reappears.