A total solar eclipse captivated viewers across parts of Europe on August 12, 2026, as the moon passed directly between the Earth and the sun. While Spain, Portugal, Greenland, and Iceland experienced the rare phenomenon of totality, the United Kingdom observed a significant partial eclipse.
In the UK, the eclipse began its first contact at 18:08 BST in Scotland, with the last glimpse of the obscured sun occurring shortly after 20:00 BST. Peak coverage in the UK reached approximately 96%, depending on the viewer's location. During the peak, daylight diminished, and temperatures dropped.
Large crowds gathered at popular viewing spots to witness the celestial event. In Spain, locations like Arija were able to see the moon entirely obscure the sun. Onboard the Ambassador cruise ship Ambition, passengers off the coast of Greenland also witnessed the total eclipse. The International Space Station was also visible in silhouette as it transited across the sun.
Other notable viewing locations included King's Stairs Gardens in Bermondsey, south London, where the eclipse was visible starting at 18:38 BST. In Krakow, Poland, hundreds gathered on the historic Krakus Mound. Holidaymakers in Mallorca were seen testing protective glasses in anticipation of the event.
This eclipse marked the first total solar eclipse visible over mainland Europe since 1999. For those who missed this event, the next significant solar eclipse visible in the UK will not occur until 2050. A total solar eclipse is not expected to be visible in the UK again until 2090.