On August 12, 2026, the first total solar eclipse since 2024 will occur, coinciding with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and lunar perigee. The best viewing conditions will be in Spain and Iceland, while residents of Kazakhstan will not be able to see this astronomical event, reports infohub.kz.
Due to the coincidence with lunar perigee—the moment when the Moon is closest to Earth and appears larger—the total phase of the eclipse will last longer than usual. The path of totality will cross western Iceland and northern Spain. The longest duration of totality will occur in Latrabjarg, Iceland. The event will also be visible to residents of Reykjavik and Isafjordur, writes Engadget.
Spain will be the best place for observation due to its long land-based path and warm August weather. The total phase will be visible to residents of Bilbao, Burgos, Palma, Santander, Valencia, Valladolid, and Zaragoza. The eclipse will also affect Montesinho Natural Park in Bragança, Portugal, as well as remote areas of Greenland and Russia.
Residents of North America and Europe will only see a partial eclipse. In the United States, it will be visible in northern states: in New York, the Sun will be only 9% covered, while in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, it will be 53% covered.