On August 12, 2026, the Moon will slide directly between Earth and the Sun, plunging a narrow strip of the Northern Hemisphere into sudden daytime darkness. The total solar eclipse will be visible from remote parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, and NASA plans to broadcast the event live from multiple locations.
A Path Across the North Atlantic
The eclipse will begin at sunrise in the Russian Arctic, then sweep westward across the central Arctic Ocean. The path of totality, where the Sun is completely blocked, will cross Greenland, touch the western coast of Iceland, and continue south to Spain. In Spain, the eclipse will pass over major cities including Valencia, Zaragoza, and Palma de Mallorca, making it the most accessible viewing spot along the route. A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, western Africa, and eastern North America.
NASA Brings the Eclipse to Everyone
NASA will host a live broadcast from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT on August 12, streaming telescope views from Spain and other locations along the path. The broadcast will include expert commentary from NASA scientists and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Viewers can watch on NASA+ and the agency's website. NASA also plans to share real time images and scientific data collected during the event.
Why Locals Are Watching the Sky
For people in Greenland and Iceland, total solar eclipses are rare. The last total eclipse visible from Iceland occurred in 1954. In Spain, the last total eclipse was in 1959, and the next one visible from the country will not happen until 2027. The event draws tourists, scientists, and skywatchers who travel long distances to stand in the Moon's shadow for a few minutes of eerie twilight.
A Reminder of Celestial Timing
Total solar eclipses happen somewhere on Earth about once every 18 months, but any given location sees one only every few centuries. The 2026 eclipse offers a chance for millions across Europe and the North Atlantic to witness a precise cosmic alignment. NASA's coverage ensures that even those far from the path of totality can watch the Moon briefly erase the Sun.
