Ultimate Guide: Where, When, and How to Watch the 2026 Solar Eclipse

On August 12, 2024, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, as the moon perfectly aligns between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight. A partial solar eclipse will also be observable in various regions, including parts of the United States, Africa, the UK, and much of Canada. Don’t miss this celestial event!

Where to Experience the Solar Eclipse

Totality occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun’s disk, starting in Russia around noon and moving eastward over the Arctic Ocean. It will pass just south of the North Pole, making landfall in northeastern Greenland shortly after 4 PM local time.

The moon’s shadow will travel along Greenland’s east coast at over 3,400 kilometers per hour, with totality lasting around 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The eclipse will become visible from more populated areas as it crosses into Iceland, where Reykjavik will experience totality for just over a minute at 5:48 PM local time. This marks Iceland’s first total solar eclipse since 1954, and the next one won’t occur until 2196!

After grazing the west coast of Iceland, the solar eclipse will cross the ocean again, reaching northern Spain just before 8:30 PM local time. It will then graze northeastern Portugal and pass over the Balearic Islands before sunset.

What to Expect During a Total Solar Eclipse

During totality, as the moon entirely obscures the sun, expect a sudden drop in temperature and a transition from day to twilight. Stars become visible, as does the sun’s corona—the outer layer that is normally hidden in the sun’s brightness. Eager solar scientists will seize this rare chance to study the corona and its many mysteries, including why it appears hotter than the sun’s surface.

While total solar eclipses are brief and only seen in select areas, partial solar eclipses—where the moon partially obscures the sun—can last for over an hour. Many locations throughout northern America, Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa will witness this. Though less dramatic, it’s crucial to wear eye protection at all times, whether viewing a total or partial eclipse.

Those without adequate eye protection can still safely view the eclipse using alternatives such as pinhole cameras or by observing natural shadows to see the sun’s shape during the event.

Join a Discovery Tour: Eclipse

Explore exclusive tours and cruises designed to enhance your solar eclipse experience at select locations worldwide.