2026 total solar eclipse darkens Spain

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse swept across parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. The Moon passed directly between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun for observers in the path of totality. A partial eclipse was visible across a much wider area, including parts of the United States, most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwest Africa.

NASA photographer Bill Ingalls captured the event from San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, where the total eclipse was visible. His image shows the Sun's corona blazing around the dark disk of the Moon. The photo was released by NASA as part of its coverage of the celestial event.

Total solar eclipses occur when the Moon's apparent size in the sky is large enough to cover the Sun entirely, casting a shadow on Earth. They are rare at any given location, and this eclipse was notable for crossing multiple continents and ocean regions. The path of totality began in the North Atlantic and moved northeast, offering viewing opportunities in remote and populated areas alike.

According to NASA, the eclipse was visible as a partial event from a broad swath of the Northern Hemisphere. In the United States, viewers in some northern and eastern regions could see a partial eclipse, while most of Canada and much of Europe experienced a partial covering of the Sun. Northwest Africa also fell within the partial eclipse zone.

NASA provided live coverage and resources for the public, including a video of the eclipse on its YouTube channel. The agency encouraged viewers to relive the event through its official media. The image by Bill Ingalls is credited to NASA/Bill Ingalls.

The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the world will occur in the coming years, but the August 12, 2026 event is now part of the historical record. NASA's documentation will serve as a reference for scientists and the public alike.