Total Solar Eclipse on August 12: Live Viewing and Timing Guide

WHO:

Al Jazeera - Nearly one billion people could potentially see a partial solar eclipse.

Al Jazeera - About 15 million people will be in the path of totality.

Science Daily - The European Space Agency (ESA) will livestream the eclipse.

WHAT:

Al Jazeera - A total solar eclipse will occur, with the moon’s shadow racing across various regions.

Al Jazeera - The eclipse will last for as long as two minutes and 18 seconds in totality.

Al Jazeera - The eclipse will be mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999.

Al Jazeera - A partial eclipse will be visible across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwestern Africa, and a small portion of the United States.

Science Daily - The Javalambre Observatory will experience 1 minute and 21 seconds of totality.

WHERE:

Al Jazeera - The path of totality will include parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, and Portugal.

Al Jazeera - Cities in northern and eastern Spain, including Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia, are located inside the path of totality.

Al Jazeera - Observers in Madrid and Barcelona will experience more than 99 percent solar coverage.

Al Jazeera - In Paris, 92 percent of the sun will be covered; in London, 91 percent; and in Berlin, 85 percent.

Al Jazeera - In North America, St John’s will see about 53 percent coverage, while parts of Alaska will see about 37 percent.

WHEN:

Al Jazeera - The total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, starting at 15:34 GMT.

Al Jazeera - Totality will begin at roughly 18:27 GMT in western Spain (8:27 PM local time).

Science Daily - The livestream from the Javalambre Observatory will begin at 20:31 CEST.

WHY:

Al Jazeera - A solar eclipse occurs when one celestial body moves into the shadow of another.

HOW:

Al Jazeera - The eclipse will be livestreamed using telescope feeds, drone footage, and expert commentary.

(UPDATED August 10, 2026 16:18 UTC)

A total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, 2026, with the moon's shadow racing across various regions, and nearly one billion people could potentially see a partial eclipse. About 15 million people will be in the path of totality, which includes parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, and Portugal, while cities like Leon and Valencia will experience the full effect for up to two minutes and 18 seconds. The European Space Agency will livestream the event, starting at 20:31 CEST, using telescope feeds, drone footage, and expert commentary to bring this celestial phenomenon to viewers around the world.