A rare total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of northern Spain on August 12, briefly turning daytime into darkness as the Moon completely blocks the Sun. The event will mark the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 2006.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across a narrow section of the planet. During the brief period known as totality, daylight fades into twilight, temperatures may drop, shadows take on unusual shapes, and wildlife often reacts as if night has fallen.
According to NASA, the phenomenon is made possible by a remarkable alignment in space. Although the Sun is around 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also about 400 times farther away from Earth. This coincidence makes both objects appear almost the same size in the sky, allowing the Moon to completely cover the Sun and reveal its outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
The eclipse’s path of totality will begin over a remote part of northern Russia before crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal. In Spain, the shadow is expected to move from the city of Oviedo across the country toward the island of Mallorca.
People within the path of totality in Spain will experience less than two minutes of complete darkness shortly before sunset. In Burgos, totality is forecast to last approximately one minute and 48 seconds. Areas of Russia and Greenland will enjoy slightly longer viewing times, although totality will still remain below two and a half minutes.
Outside the path of totality, a partial solar eclipse will be visible before and after the main event for about one hour and 45 minutes. Partial views of the eclipse are also expected across much of Europe, Canada, the northern United States and parts of northwest Africa.
Although solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth every year, total solar eclipses are uncommon for any single location because the Moon’s shadow covers only a narrow corridor. Many regions can go centuries without witnessing one.
Spain is set to remain a major destination for eclipse watchers over the coming years. On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Astronomers have described the event as the “eclipse of the century” because totality is expected to last six minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century.
The country will also witness an annular solar eclipse, commonly called the “ring of fire,” on January 26, 2028. During that event, the Moon will cover the centre of the Sun while leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around its edge.
Astronomers and health experts have urged members of the public not to look directly at the Sun during any stage of the eclipse without certified eye protection. They recommend using eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2:2015 international safety standard to reduce exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Medical experts also warn that eye damage from viewing a solar eclipse without proper protection may not be immediately noticeable because the eyes do not contain pain receptors. Following the 2024 total solar eclipse in the United States, researchers recorded a significant increase in online searches from people reporting eye discomfort after the event.
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