Northern hemisphere countries prepare for total solar eclipse on Wednesday

Total solar eclipse occurs on 12 August 2026 across northern Russia, Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal
Maximum totality is two minutes 18 seconds off Iceland’s west coast
Iceland offers longest land-based totality at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords
Northern Spain provides easiest access with eclipse at sunset effect
Partial eclipse visible across most of Europe including UK, Ireland, France and Germany with up to 90pc coverage

Astronomers and travel planners are tracking the path of the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, which crosses northern Russia, the Arctic region, eastern Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain, and a tiny corner of northeastern Portugal.

Here are the best places to view the solar eclipse.

The maximum duration of totality is about two minutes and 18 seconds near the centre of the path just off Iceland’s west coast. On land, durations are shorter, typically under two minutes. Iceland offers the longest durations on land at Látrabjarg in the Westfjords, with dramatic cliffs and seabird colonies adding to the experience, though remote access requires planning with road improvements underway and possible bus shuttles. The Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Reykjanes Peninsula, and areas near Ísafjörður, Borgarnes, or Keflavík provide good access. Totality occurs in the late afternoon around 5:48–5:49 pm local time in Reykjavík, with the Sun relatively high.

Northern Spain offers the easiest access for most travellers with good infrastructure, as the path crosses from the Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean including the Balearic Islands. Popular spots include A Coruña, Gijón, Oviedo, Bilbao, Santander, Zaragoza, and Palma in Mallorca. Totality happens in the evening shortly before sunset around 8:28–8:33 pm in cities like León or Valencia, creating a striking eclipse at sunset effect. Greenland’s eastern coastal areas offer totality with impressive Arctic landscapes and ice, though access is limited and weather can be challenging. Northern Russia’s Taymyr Peninsula offers totality at or near sunrise in a remote Arctic setting with possible views of aurora if conditions align, but the location is very difficult to reach. Outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere including most of Europe, England, Ireland, France and Germany, with up to 90pc coverage in places like Dublin or London.Weather in Iceland and Spain in August can be variable, and coastal or elevated spots may help.

Armagh Observatory

In Ireland, the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium (AOP) is hosting a Partial Solar Eclipse Family Fun Day on Wednesday, 12th August 2026. The special event celebrates a historic celestial spectacle where the Moon will cover approximately 94% of the Sun over Armagh. It marks the deepest partial eclipse visible from the region since 1999, and a similar event will not occur again until 2090. The event programme runs all day from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

10:00 am: Festival opens with indoor and outdoor activities.
10:30 am – 4:00 pm: Immersive Fulldome Show Programme inside the planetarium theatre.
5:00 pm: Exclusive Observatory Tours (requires booking, limited availability).
6:10 pm: Eclipse Begins as the moon starts to pass in front of the sun.
7:08 pm: Maximum Eclipse Peak, reducing the sun to a thin sliver of light.
8:00 pm: Eclipse ends and the programme concludes. [1, 2, 3]

Safe Solar Viewing: Planetarium staff will be stationed in the outdoor Astropark with professional telescopes and approved solar filters to help visitors view the eclipse safely. Interactive space-themed science demonstrations and workshops led by the education team. There will be rocket launching: family workshops to build, test, and blast off your own model rockets.There is an open exploration exhibition area where children can interact with space displays and dress up like astronauts. Festive additions including colourful face painting, creative crafts, and local food stalls.