MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse journeyed across the Russian Arctic before advancing towards Europe. The event commenced over secluded northern regions of Russia around 17:00 GMT. Roscosmos indicated that the eclipse’s initiation was marked by the Moon’s shadow entering the high Arctic. The eclipse’s trajectory then traversed the Arctic Ocean, eastern Greenland, and western Iceland, ultimately reaching northern Spain and a small area of northeastern Portugal as the sun was setting.
Maximum coverage was observed over the North Atlantic at 17:45:53.8 UTC. Calculations by NASA estimated that the period of totality lasted approximately two minutes and 18 seconds. The central zone of the eclipse spanned approximately 294 kilometers at that point. During the phase of totality, the Moon entirely obscured the Sun’s luminous surface, allowing the solar corona to be visible around the darkened lunar disk. Areas outside this central band experienced partial eclipses, with only portions of the Sun covered.
Initially, the shadow touched northern Russia before moving westward across the Arctic. It crossed eastern Greenland, then proceeded over western Iceland, and continued into the Atlantic Ocean. Reykjavík was situated within the path of totality, although cloud cover impeded viewing in the Icelandic capital. The eclipse continued its journey towards the Iberian Peninsula as the Sun’s position lowered in the sky. Northern Spain became one of the last significant populated regions to witness totality.
Totality over the Arctic and Atlantic regions
In Spain, the eclipse was visible late in the day, with totality occurring just before sunset in many locations. This event marked Spain’s first total solar eclipse in over a century. Crowds gathered across northern and central parts of the country to observe the Moon covering the Sun. The low solar altitude placed the eclipse near the western horizon. Favorable weather in several Spanish areas allowed viewers to witness the entire phase before daylight faded.
Weather conditions varied along the eclipse’s path. In parts of Iceland, including Reykjavík, cloud cover and rain limited direct observation. Meanwhile, other locations along the route enjoyed clearer skies. During the partial phases, only part of the Sun was obscured by the Moon, with daylight still present. These phases lasted longer than totality and covered a wider area. Europe, northwestern Africa, and sections of North America all experienced some degree of partial solar eclipse.
Final European phase during totality
Observers outside the path of totality needed proper eye protection for the duration of the partial eclipse. Certified eclipse glasses or approved solar filters were essential for safe viewing. Such protection was only removed during the brief period of totality when the Moon entirely concealed the Sun. As sunlight reappeared, viewers had to promptly replace their protective gear. The same safety protocols applied before and after totality, even in regions experiencing only partial eclipses.
The Moon’s shadow exited Europe after passing over the Iberian Peninsula near sunset. Along the route of totality, regions included northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and northeastern Portugal. Extensive parts of Europe, Africa, and North America observed only the partial phase. This eclipse on August 12 followed the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse across North America. Unlike the 2024 event, which was centered on North America, the 2026 eclipse traversed the Arctic, North Atlantic, and western Europe, connecting several distant regions through a single continuous path.