Solar eclipse August 12: What time will it occur and where can you see it?

A solar eclipse will be visible in several countries on August 12, 2026 (Wednesday), as the Moon moves in front of the Sun. While the phenomenon will be visible only partially in the United States, people across several European countries will be able to witness the Moon obscure the Sun today. Reports suggest the eclipse could also lead to a temporary dip in temperatures and other changes in conditions across the regions where it is visible.

The eclipse will begin at 15:34 GMT, when the Moon starts moving across the Sun and gradually blocks out part of its light. The daylight will slowly dim as the eclipse progresses, with the event eventually reaching its total phase in parts of its path.

When will the eclipse occur?

The total solar eclipse will unfold over several hours, beginning with the partial phase at 15:34 GMT. Totality will start at 16:58 GMT, with the eclipse reaching its peak at 17:46 GMT. At maximum eclipse, totality will last around 2 minutes and 18 seconds near the centre of the path. Totality will reach Reykjavik at about 17:48 GMT and Spain at around 18:27 GMT, before ending globally at 18:34 GMT. The partial eclipse will finally end at 19:58 GMT.

Which countries will see the eclipse?

The path of totality will pass through northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small part of Portugal. Around 15 million people could experience near-total darkness along the path.

A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwest Africa, most of Canada and parts of the northern United States. Weather permitting, around 980 million people — nearly one in eight people worldwide — could see at least part of the Sun covered.

Will Europe see the eclipse?

Yes. Most of Europe will experience a partial eclipse around sunset, although the extent of coverage will vary by location. Around 92 percent of the Sun will be covered in Paris, 91 percent in London and 85 percent in Berlin.

Further east, the Sun will set before the eclipse reaches its maximum, meaning several cities will not be able to see the deepest phase.

What about the US and Canada?

Both countries will see only a partial eclipse. In Canada, coverage will reach about 53 percent in St John’s, compared with 18 percent in Montreal and 8 percent in Toronto.

In the US, Fairbanks will see around 37 percent coverage and Anchorage about 28 percent, while coverage will fall to roughly 24 percent in Bangor, 9 percent in New York and 3 percent in Detroit. The eclipse will not be visisble in India

How long will totality last?

The maximum duration of totality will be approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds, although the exact duration will depend on the observer’s location. Several cities in northern and eastern Spain, including Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel and Valencia, lie within the path of totality and are expected to offer prime viewing opportunities.