On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a dramatic total solar eclipse transformed skies over San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain, as the Moon completely blocked the face of the Sun.
Image credit: NASA ScienceThe path of totality stretched far beyond southern Europe. Shadowed regions included parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small area in Portugal.
Image credit: NASA ScienceOutside the path of total darkness, millions witnessed a partial solar eclipse. Skywatchers across parts of the United States, most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwest Africa saw the Moon cover the Sun.
Image credit: NASA ScienceA total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon glides directly between Earth and the Sun. This precise orbital alignment temporarily obscures solar light, casting a brief shadow across Earth's surface.
Image credit: NASA SciencePhotographers documented the exact moment the Moon obscured solar light. NASA photographer Bill Ingalls captured clear images of the total eclipse directly from the Spanish countryside.
Image credit: NASA ScienceFor viewers outside the eclipse track, NASA provided digital coverage. Audiences worldwide gathered to relive the rare celestial spectacle through recorded footage hosted on NASA’s official YouTube channel.
Image credit: NASA ScienceObserving total solar eclipses offers brief opportunities to examine the Sun from Earth. Visual data recorded in Spain provides clear visual evidence of total coverage during peak totality.
Image credit: NASA ScienceAs the Moon's shadow departed Europe, scientists and space enthusiasts retained rich visual records of the 2026 event. Official archives continue serving those studying rare solar alignments.
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