Total Solar Eclipse to Sweep Across Europe Today — Millions Set to Witness Rare Celestial Event

Millions of people across Europe are expected to witness a rare total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, briefly turning daylight into darkness along its path.

The eclipse will begin at 15:34 GMT, with the first total phase starting at 16:58 GMT. It will reach its maximum at about 17:46 GMT, when totality will last approximately two minutes and 18 seconds near the centre of the eclipse path.

The path of totality will pass through northern Russia, Greenland and Iceland before moving across Spain and a small part of Portugal. Around 15 million people are expected to experience near-complete darkness within the path.

A partial eclipse will also be visible across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwest Africa, most of Canada and parts of the northern United States. Weather permitting, an estimated 980 million people could see at least part of the Sun covered by the Moon.

Europe to See a Major Eclipse

Most of Europe will experience a partial eclipse, with the event occurring close to sunset in many locations.

Approximately 92 percent of the Sun will be covered in Paris, 91 percent in London and 85 percent in Berlin. In Spain, several cities including León, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel and Valencia will fall within the path of totality.

In Madrid and Barcelona, the eclipse will reach more than 99 percent coverage, although both cities will remain just outside the path of totality.

North America to See a Partial Eclipse

Parts of Canada and the United States will also witness the eclipse, although it will not be total.

St John’s in Newfoundland is expected to see about 53 percent coverage, while Montreal will see around 18 percent and Toronto about 8 percent.

In the United States, Fairbanks, Alaska, could see approximately 37 percent coverage, while Anchorage may experience about 28 percent. Coverage will be lower in cities such as New York and Detroit.

How Does a Solar Eclipse Happen?

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking some or all of the Sun’s light.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright surface for observers inside the path of totality. This creates a brief period of darkness and allows the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, to become visible.

Safety Warning

Experts warn that looking directly at the Sun during an eclipse can cause serious and permanent eye damage.

People should use certified eclipse glasses or a safe solar viewer. Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient protection.

Cameras, binoculars and telescopes should also never be used to look at the Sun without specially designed solar filters.

The only time it is safe to look directly at the Sun without eclipse glasses is during the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Protective eyewear must be put back on immediately when sunlight begins to reappear.

NASA is scheduled to livestream the eclipse online, beginning at 17:15 GMT on Wednesday.

The next total solar eclipse is expected on August 2, 2027, with the path crossing parts of southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.