A rare total solar eclipse will be visible on August 12, when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, briefly turning daylight into darkness across parts of Europe and the Arctic region.
The eclipse is expected to draw major attention because it will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 2006. Northern Spain will be one of the best places to witness the event, with the Moon completely covering the Sun for a short period before sunset.
What Is a Total Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight from reaching parts of the planet.
In a total solar eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun for people standing within a narrow area known as the path of totality. During this brief moment, the sky can darken, temperatures may fall, shadows can appear unusual, and some animals may behave as if night has arrived.
The event is possible because of a rare alignment in size and distance. Although the Sun is much larger than the Moon, it is also much farther away from Earth. From our view, this makes both objects appear close enough in size for the Moon to cover the Sun during an eclipse.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Seen?
The August 12 eclipse will begin in a remote part of northern Russia before moving across Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern edge of Portugal.
In Spain, the path will cut across the country from the northern city of Oviedo towards Mallorca. Several areas in northern Spain are expected to experience totality, while many other parts of Europe will see a partial eclipse.
Partial views are also expected in Canada, the northern United States and parts of northwest Africa. This means people outside the main path will still see the Moon cover part of the Sun, although they will not experience the full darkness of totality.
How Long Will It Last?
For viewers in Spain, the total eclipse will last less than two minutes shortly before sunset. In Burgos, for example, totality is expected to last one minute and 48 seconds.
Some locations in Russia and Greenland may experience a slightly longer total eclipse, but still under two and a half minutes. The partial phase, where the Moon begins to move across the Sun and later moves away, will last much longer, around one hour and 45 minutes.
Why Is This Eclipse Important?
Total solar eclipses are not unusual globally. They happen somewhere on Earth roughly once or twice a year. But because the path of totality is very narrow, the same location may wait hundreds of years before seeing another one.
That is why the August event is attracting attention, especially in Spain and other parts of Europe. Spain is also expected to witness more eclipse activity in the coming years, including another total solar eclipse in August 2027 and an annular, or “ring of fire,” eclipse in January 2028.
Eye Protection Is Essential
Experts warn that people should not look directly at the Sun during an eclipse without proper protection. Doing so can damage the eyes, even when the Sun is partly covered.
Viewers are advised to use certified eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 safety standard. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough for direct solar viewing.
Eye damage can happen without immediate pain, because the eyes do not have pain receptors that warn the brain during injury. Symptoms may only appear later, making safety precautions very important.
What Viewers Should Expect
For people in the path of totality, the eclipse will be brief but dramatic. Daylight will fade, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere — known as the corona. may become visible, and the surrounding environment may suddenly feel cooler and quieter.
For people outside the totality path, the experience will be less intense but still worth watching with proper protection.
The August 12 eclipse is expected to be one of the major skywatching events of the year, especially for Europe. But experts say preparation is key: viewers need a clear sky, a good viewing location and certified eye protection.
