Day will turn to night: where to see the total solar eclipse in August
In August 2026, Earth's inhabitants will be able to observe one of the rarest astronomical phenomena — a total solar eclipse. The moon will completely cover the solar disk for a few minutes, plunging certain regions of the planet into daylight twilight. Residents of several European countries will see the full phase of the eclipse, while Russians will be able to observe its partial stage. When the celestial phenomenon will occur, where it will be best seen and how to safely monitor the eclipse — in the Izvestia material.
Total solar eclipse in August 2026: date and exact time
One of the most impressive astronomical events of the decade, the total solar eclipse, will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The phenomenon will be the first total solar eclipse since the famous eclipse of April 2024, which was observed by residents of North America.
According to NASA, as well as the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the maximum phase of the eclipse will occur at 20:46 Moscow time. At this point, the Moon will completely cover the solar disk for observers who are in the band of the full phase.
The total duration of a total solar eclipse on Earth will be several hours, as the moon's shadow will move across the planet's surface from west to east. At the same time, the duration of the full phase at a particular observation point will be significantly shorter — from a few seconds to about two minutes and 18 seconds, depending on the location.
The August eclipse is considered one of the main astronomical events of 2026. Thousands of astronomy enthusiasts and tourists are already showing interest in it, planning trips to regions where it will be possible to observe the full phase of the phenomenon.
Where will the total solar eclipse of August 12 be visible?
The full-phase band will begin in the Arctic Ocean, then cross Greenland, Iceland, and the northern Atlantic regions and enter Europe.
The most favorable conditions for observing a total solar eclipse are expected in the following countries:
- Iceland;
- Spain;
- Portugal;
- Greenland.
Spain attracts the special attention of astronomers. The full phase will pass through the northern and eastern regions of the country, including a number of major cities. According to experts, Spain will become one of the main centers of "astronomical tourism" in the summer of 2026.
Residents of certain areas of Portugal and Iceland will also be able to see the total eclipse. In some places, the Sun will be obscured by the Moon for more than two minutes, which is considered a very long indicator for such phenomena.
The partial phases of the eclipse will be visible over a much larger area. Residents of most European countries, parts of Africa, North America and western regions of Asia will be able to observe the partial closure of the solar disk.
Will Russian residents see the solar eclipse?
For Russia, the August eclipse is of particular interest. Its full phase will be visible only in the north-west of the Taimyr Peninsula, but partial phases can be observed in a significant area of the country.
According to preliminary calculations by astronomers, a partial solar eclipse will be seen by residents.:
- St. Petersburg;
- Murmansk;
- Kaliningrad;
- north-western regions of Russia;
- a number of subjects of the Central Federal District.
The largest phase of the partial eclipse is predicted in the Kaliningrad region and in the north-west of the country, where the area of overlap of the solar disk will be most noticeable. In the central part of Russia, including Moscow, the phenomenon will be barely discernible.
The exact visibility parameters and the start time of the partial phases will be specified closer to the date of the event by astronomical observatories and planetariums, as calculations may be slightly adjusted.
What happens during a total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is exactly between the Earth and the Sun and completely covers the solar disk for observers located in its shadow band.
Despite the fact that the diameter of the Sun is about 400 times the diameter of the Moon, the Earth's satellite is 400 times closer to our planet. Due to this coincidence, their apparent sizes in the sky turn out to be almost identical, which allows the Moon to completely block the Sun.
During the full phase, several unusual phenomena occur at once. The sky darkens quickly, the air temperature can drop by several degrees, and animals and birds sometimes begin to behave as if it were evening.
At the same time, the solar corona becomes visible — the outer atmosphere of the Sun, usually hidden by the bright light of the star. It looks like a silvery glow around the black disk of the moon and is of particular interest to scientists studying processes in the solar atmosphere.
In addition, bright stars and planets may become visible near the Sun, which are usually impossible to see during the day. That is why total solar eclipses are considered one of the most impressive natural phenomena.
How to safely observe a solar eclipse
Experts remind that observing the Sun without special protective equipment can lead to visual impairment.
You can't look at the sun's disk.:
- through ordinary sunglasses;
- through darkened windows;
- through the X-ray film;
- through photographic film or CDs.
For safe observation, it is recommended to use special eclipse glasses that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2. Special solar filters for telescopes and binoculars are also suitable.
Special care should be taken when using optical devices. Observing through a telescope or binoculars without a professional solar filter can cause permanent eye damage.
Another safe way to observe is the projection method. The image of the Sun can be projected onto a white screen or a piece of paper through a small hole without looking directly at the sun.
Earlier, honorary Doctor of Sciences, educator and teacher Sergey Chumakov told Izvestia about the astronomical events of the summer.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
