The Moon will pass directly between Earth and the Sun on Aug. 12, 2026, plunging a narrow strip of the planet into temporary darkness and offering a full solar eclipse for observers along a path that crosses parts of Europe. The European Space Agency (ESA) will present a live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain, combining telescope imagery, drone footage and expert commentary.
When and where to watch
ESA's programme will start at 1:30 p.m. EDT (19:30 CEST) on Aug. 12 and run for roughly an hour and 15 minutes. Viewers may watch via ESA Web TV or the agency's YouTube channel, which will carry a dedicated telescope feed alongside the main broadcast.
| Broadcast start (EDT) | Broadcast start (CEST) |
|---|---|
| 1:30 p.m. | 19:30 |
Where the eclipse will be total
The narrow path of totality—the region where the Moon fully obscures the Sun—will sweep across parts of Greenland and Iceland, clip a small section of northeastern Portugal, and then traverse Spain from west to east. Outside that corridor, much of Europe will experience a partial eclipse, when the Moon covers only part of the Sun and daylight merely dims.
- Totality: Greenland, Iceland, northeastern Portugal (small area), Spain
- Partial eclipse: Wide areas of Europe beyond the path of totality
- Live coverage: ESA Web TV and ESA's YouTube channel beginning 1:30 p.m. EDT
What observers can expect
During totality, the Sun's brilliant photosphere will be hidden, allowing the faint, wispy solar corona to become visible. Observers in the path of totality may see stars and planets emerge in the darkened sky, and local conditions often change: temperatures can fall, winds may strengthen and the behaviour of birds and insects can shift as though night has arrived. For those outside the narrow path, the sight will be a less dramatic but still striking partial eclipse—appearing as a crescent-shaped Sun as the Moon covers only part of the disc.
ESA's broadcast and scientific aims
ESA plans to use the Javalambre site to provide high-quality live imagery and expert explanation of eclipse-related science. The broadcast will feature appearances by noted communicators and scientists, and will aim to showcase both the spectacle and the underlying solar physics: the structure of the corona, how eclipses enable unique observations, and the instruments used to capture transient phenomena. The agency will present multiple perspectives, including telescope feeds and aerial footage, to give viewers a comprehensive sense of the event.
Spain has been highlighted as one of the better locations for viewing because the shadow moves across the country from west to east, offering a substantial length of totality for observers within the corridor.
For those planning to observe the Sun directly, standard safety precautions remain essential: proper solar filters or eclipse glasses are required for any viewing outside the brief period of totality. Even during partial phases, looking at the Sun without adequate protection can cause serious eye injury.
The eclipse presents an opportunity for both public engagement and focused scientific observation, and ESA's combination of live feeds and expert commentary aims to make the event accessible to a global audience.
