TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe in nearly three decades will cross parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal on August 12, 2026, drawing hundreds of thousands of skywatchers and eclipse tourists to the path of totality.
As reported by Asatu News, the eclipse will travel roughly 5,157 miles across Earth’s surface, beginning over Russia’s Taymyr Peninsula before moving across the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and Portugal.
The eclipse is expected to reach its maximum totality near Iceland. According to data from the National Solar Observatory, Space.com, and Time and Date, the point of greatest eclipse will occur about 45 kilometers off Iceland’s western coast, offering observers up to two minutes and 20 seconds of total darkness.
Observers along Greenland’s Scoresby Sound fjord are expected to witness nearly the same duration, with totality lasting around two minutes and 18 seconds.
Art Threat noted that the eclipse will become the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since the 1999 eclipse that crossed France, Romania, and Turkey.
The eclipse’s path will continue through Iceland’s volcanic landscapes before reaching northern Spain, where cities such as Oviedo and Gijón are preparing for a surge in tourism.
In Oviedo, totality is expected to last about one minute and 50 seconds, while neighboring Gijón will experience approximately one minute and 45 seconds of darkness.
Although the eclipse is expected to become one of the most significant astronomical events of 2026, weather conditions remain a major concern for observers. Historical climate data show that Greenland and northern Spain often experience cloud cover during August, potentially obstructing views of the phenomenon.
Tour operators say demand for eclipse-related travel packages has increased significantly, especially in Greenland and Iceland, where tourism infrastructure remains limited.
Arctic expedition cruises to Greenland are currently priced between US$13,000 and US$20,000 per person, while land-based tours in Iceland and Spain offer relatively more affordable alternatives.
The Spanish Asturias region, particularly Oviedo and Gijón, is expected to become one of Europe’s busiest eclipse-viewing destinations.
The eclipse will not be visible from most of North America, making Europe and the Arctic key destinations for international eclipse enthusiasts.
Astronomers and tourism operators estimate that hundreds of thousands of people could travel to areas along the eclipse path to witness the rare celestial event.
The August 12, 2026 eclipse will also precede another major total solar eclipse expected to cross North Africa and the Middle East on August 2, 2027.
Read: Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Skies Across Europe This August
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News