On August 12, 2026, the eyes of astronomers will turn to two regions that are usually far from major celestial events: Greenland and Iceland. A total solar eclipse will sweep across the North Atlantic, transforming the Arctic landscape for a few minutes into an eerie scene of darkness and silvery coronal light. The umbra reaches Greenland in the afternoon, offering exceptionally long periods of totality especially in the western and northern parts of the island.
The eclipse begins at sunrise in the northernmost part of the Russian region of Krasnoyarsk, far from any major settlement. The Moon’s shadow moves rapidly northward, passing just by the North Pole, crossing the Arctic Ocean toward Greenland. The path of totality then continues southward along eastern Greenland over the North Atlantic toward Iceland. Only the far west of Iceland lies within the zone of totality. In Hellissandur, in the northwest of the Vestfirðir Peninsula, maximum totality lasts just over 2 minutes. The point of greatest eclipse lies west of Iceland in the Atlantic, where the duration of the total phase is 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
Many accommodations in western and northern Iceland report a significant increase in bookings. Extra shuttles and guided tours are being planned to bring visitors safely to the path of totality. Authorities are simultaneously warning of overcrowding at certain hotspots and advise early planning. Several shipping companies plan to take their vessels to Greenland’s coast, directly into the center of the eclipse.
Perhaps the most spectacular aspect for many European observers: the path of totality crosses northern Spain, including cities such as A Coruña and Oviedo. South and east of the path, the eclipse will be visible only as a partial one.
Science in the Spotlight
For researchers, the event is far more than a spectacle. Solar physicists are planning observation campaigns to study the corona, whose fine structures can only be seen during a total eclipse. Measuring instruments will record temperature and brightness fluctuations; atmospheric scientists hope to gain new insights into how the troposphere responds to sudden shading.
Between Awe and Caution
When the Moon passes exactly between the Earth and the Sun, it casts regions into dim light for a few minutes. During a total solar eclipse, the sky darkens, temperatures drop noticeably, animals react with confusion, and the delicate solar corona glows like a shimmering halo. A phenomenon that amazes even seasoned researchers.
While the event will draw countless people to look skyward, experts strongly warn against carelessness. Without proper protective glasses, looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage.
A Preview of 2027
The 2026 solar eclipse is not only a highlight of the astronomical year but also a prelude: just one year later, on August 2, 2027, Europe will once again experience a total eclipse—this time with a particularly spectacular path over southern Europe and North Africa. The point of greatest eclipse will be near Luxor, where the duration of totality will be 6 minutes and 23 seconds. It will be the longest solar eclipse of the 21st century whose maximum occurs on land.
Heiner Kubny, Polarjournal