WASHINGTON: The 2026 total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland and Spain Wednesday, August 12, NASA said.
The path also includes northern Russia, the North Atlantic and a small corner of Portugal. Ground observers near the path’s centre can experience totality for up to two minutes and 18 seconds.
However, NASA said most locations will receive less than two minutes. A partial eclipse will reach most of Canada, much of Europe, northwestern Africa and parts of the northern United States.
London’s partial eclipse begins at 6:17pm BST and peaks at 7:13pm, according to Timeanddate. It ends at 8:06pm as the Sun nears the western horizon.
Clouds may interrupt the view, but brief gaps can still reveal the solar crescent or corona. Observers should monitor local forecasts and select sites with wide, unobstructed horizons.
Read: 2026 Total Solar Eclipse to Cross Spain, Iceland Aug 12
However, cloud cover does not remove the need for eye protection during partial phases. The American Astronomical Society says viewers must use special-purpose solar filters whenever any bright solar surface remains visible.
Ordinary sunglasses are unsafe. Only viewers inside the totality path may remove filters after the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face.
Read: April 8 Total Solar Eclipse Across North America
They must replace protection as soon as sunlight returns. Anyone using binoculars, telescopes or cameras needs a solar filter secured over the front of the optics.
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Unfiltered devices can concentrate sunlight and injure eyes, even when observers wear eclipse glasses. NASA will stream views from Iceland and Spain from 1:15pm EDT, or 10:15pm PKT.
The agency will also fly a WB-57 aircraft at 50,000 feet to photograph the corona above clouds. Following the Moon’s shadow will extend the aircraft’s observation to nearly three minutes.
