Europe is all set to welcome its first total solar eclipse in more than 25 years, which will take place on August 12, 2026.
This historic event triggers a wave of sky tourism and significant logistical planning on the path of totality.
Europeans will be able to see it as more than 25 years have passed since mainland Europe last witnessed a total solar eclipse.
It was 1999 when the moon eclipsed the sun, plunging parts of the continent into midday darkness.
In 2026, the solar eclipse will begin its journey in northern Russia, crossing the Arctic and eastern Greenland before reaching maximum totality off the coast of Iceland.
The path of totality will reach northern Spain shortly before sunset, while observers will experience up to one minute and fifty seconds of darkness.
Fortunately, Europe won’t have to wait long for the next event; on August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will pass through southern Spain, northern Africa and the Middle East.
According to one Greek reporterThe year 2026 will see three Supermoons that will occur on January 3, November 2024 and December 23, which will shine brightly when the moon reaches its closest point to Earth. May 2026 will also have a ‘Blue Moon’: the rare occurrence of two Full Moons in one month (May 1 and May 31).
The upcoming event presents a historic homecoming for European astronomy and offers a rare opportunity for the continent.
