1 month until the total solar eclipse 2026 — Here's what you need to know

Jul 12, 2026 - 10:15

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1 month until the total solar eclipse 2026 — Here's what you need to know

One month from today, millions will turn their eyes to the skies for one of the most anticipated skywatching events of the year: the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026.

The eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, briefly turning day into night for those lucky enough to be within the narrow path of totality.

It's been a long time coming for European skywatchers, as the event marks Europe's first total solar eclipse since 1999.

Where can I see the total solar eclipse?

If you're hoping to experience totality, now is the time to finalize your plans. The path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with maximum eclipse lasting up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds.

map showing the path of totality across the coast of iceland — Path of totality over Iceland.Created using MapHub.net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

map showing the maps of totality across northern spain. — Path of totality over Iceland.Created using MapHub.net. Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

Spain is expected to be one of the most popular destinations thanks to its favorable weather prospects, though it's not without a catch! Viewers will need to secure a clear view of the western horizon because the eclipsed sun will sit very low in the sky during totality.

Notable locations and timings of totality
Location	Totality duration	What time?	Sun height
Scoresby Sund, Greenland	1 minute, 46 seconds	4:35 p.m. CGST	24 degrees above west
Reykjavik, Iceland	1 minute, 1 second	5:48 p.m. GMT	25 degrees above west
Snæfellsjökull National Park, Iceland	2 minutes, 10 seconds	5:45 p.m. GMT	25 degrees above west
Gijón, Spain	1 minute, 46 seconds	8:26 p.m. CEST	10 degrees above west-northwest
A Coruña, Spain	1 minute, 15 seconds	8:27 p.m. CEST	12 degrees above west-northwest
Palencia, Spain	1 minute, 42 seconds	8:29 p.m. CEST	9 degrees above west-northwest
Burgos, Spain	1 minute, 44 seconds	8:28 p.m. CEST	8 degrees above west-northwest
Segovia, Spain	54 seconds	8:31 p.m. CEST	8 degrees above west-northwest
Sigüenza, Spain	1 minute, 38 seconds	8:30 p.m. CEST	7 degrees above west-northwest
Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain	1 minute, 36 seconds	8:31 p.m. CEST	2.7 degrees above west-northwest

Will I see the eclipse from where I live?

Not inside the path of totality? Don't worry. A spectacular partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, with more than 90% of the sun covered from locations including London, Paris and Dublin.

Location	% of sun's disk covered
New York City	9%
St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada	53%
Nuuk, Greenland	79%
Oslo, Norway	83%
Berlin, Germany	84%
London, U.K.	91%
Paris, France	92%
Tangier, Morocco	92%
Dublin, Ireland	94%
Lisbon, Portugal	94%
Nice, France	95%
Madrid, Spain	99.96%
Barcelona, Spain	99.82%

If you're still deciding where to watch, we have several guides on the best viewing locations close to popular Spanish holiday destinations, the best Spanish beaches, and the best places to view the eclipse overall.

How we will be covering the eclipse

Over the coming weeks, Space.com will bring you everything you need to prepare for eclipse day. We'll publish viewing guides, safety advice and information on how to watch the eclipse online.

Closer to the event, we'll launch a dedicated live blog covering the latest eclipse news and insights from our reporters in the field.

Skywatching Editor Daisy Dobrijevic will join an eclipse expedition to Greenland with HX, while Skywatching Writer Anthony Wood will travel to northern Spain with the DEB initiative and citizen scientists to report firsthand from the path of totality.