Solar eclipses hold a very special fascination for us. We have already been fortunate enough to experience several, but one remains unforgettable to this day: the total solar eclipse of 20 March 2015 on Spitsbergen. On that occasion, the Arctic landscape was transformed for a few minutes into an almost surreal world of darkness, ice and light.
On 12 August 2026, we wanted to repeat this experience. But as is so often the case with a solar eclipse, it was not just careful planning that ultimately decided the outcome – but, above all, the weather.
From the Arctic to Spain
The path of totality began in the Russian High Arctic, crossed the Arctic Ocean to Greenland and Iceland, and finally reached Spain. From there, the moon’s shadow travelled as far as the Balearic Islands, where the eclipse ended shortly before sunset.
It was precisely the low position of the sun that made this event particularly appealing from a photographic perspective.
Greenland was our first dream
Originally, we wanted to experience the solar eclipse in the Arctic again, preferably in Greenland. Months beforehand, we had already been researching potential viewing locations in great detail.
However, an analysis of cloud cover on 12 August over the past 20 years or so indicated a very high risk of cloud cover for the regions of Greenland under consideration. Furthermore, many suitable locations would have been accessible practically only by expedition ship.
For us, there was an additional problem: taking truly sharp photographs of the solar corona with a 600-mm telephoto lens from a moving ship is difficult. That is why we opted for solid ground beneath our feet.
Cabo Peñas as our favourite
Initially, we had our sights set on Mallorca. However, due to the expected large crowds of solar eclipse observers, we kept looking and found our favourite spot on the northern Spanish Atlantic coast: Cabo Peñas in Asturias.
The approximately 100-metre-high steep coastline, rugged cliffs and the open Atlantic provided a fantastic backdrop. With the sun low in the sky, we could have captured some extraordinary images here.
The problem remained the weather. We’d been checking the forecasts daily for seven days beforehand. As Plan B, we chose the area around Valladolid, some 300 kilometres further inland. The risk of cloud cover was significantly lower there.
Then the clouds arrived
We were already at Cabo Peñas 48 hours before the solar eclipse. But what we saw gave us cause for concern: around midday, clouds kept forming, and the forecasts for 12 August didn’t promise any significant improvement either.
The risk was too great for us. With a heavy heart, we said goodbye to our dream spot on the Atlantic and set off on the long drive into the Spanish interior.
We arrived at our new observation spot around nine hours before the eclipse. Now the wait began – with temperatures of up to 36 degrees Celsius. Time and again, our eyes turned to the sky. Had we made the right decision?
And suddenly it went dark
The further the Moon moved in front of the Sun, the more the light changed. The landscape slowly lost its familiar colours, until, shortly before totality, everything happened very quickly.
The last direct sunlight disappeared. For a brief moment, the landscape lay in an almost unreal darkness. In the sky stood the black disc of the Moon, surrounded by the brightly glowing corona.
Despite all the preparation, despite the cameras and our focus on the correct exposure times, there was that one moment when we simply gazed in wonder. Witnessing the corona against the dark sky once again left an unforgettable impression.
A few moments later, the first direct sunlight reappeared – and the darkness vanished just as quickly as it had come.
The 2026 solar eclipse has shown us once again how important flexibility is, alongside careful preparation. Cabo Peñas would have been our dream spot in terms of scenery. But when it comes to a solar eclipse, one thing matters above all else: an unobstructed view of the Sun.
The long drive, nine hours of waiting and 36-degree heat were all forgotten the moment the corona appeared against the dark sky.
Rosamaria Kubny, PolarJournal