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The sun will be completely obscured by the moon for millions of fortunate stargazers in August of 2026 and 2027. Find out the locations and times to observe it.(Image credit: Getty Images)ShareShare by:
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There hasn’t been an entire solar eclipse following the “Great American Eclipse” on April 8, 2024 — however, presently, a duo are approaching in the coming couple of years.
The initial one of these complete solar eclipses, occurring Aug. 12, 2026, will favor sections of Greenland, Iceland and Spain. The second, on Aug. 2, 2027, will manifest over portions of North Africa, southern Spain, and the Middle East, being named the “eclipse of the century.”
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The August 2026 solar eclipse
The route of totality during August, 2026. “GE” designates the spot of greatest eclipse, wherein the moon will seem largest as it passes in front of the sun.
The complete solar eclipse of 2026 will commence as an eclipsed sunrise within a distant section of northern Siberia, with the path of totality — the trail of the moon’s shadowy core, where an entire eclipse may be seen — traversing across eastern Greenland, Iceland’s western coastline, and northern Spain, before coming to a close in the form of an eclipsed sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.
For those watching from Europe, this is the initial total eclipse discernible originating from mainland Europe post-1999. Throughout Spain, cities similar to León, Burgos, and Valladolid will be the optimal spots for seeing totality.
This eclipse will be viewable at approximately 10 degrees above the horizon, nearly equivalent to the breadth of a fist held at arm’s length.
Totality in this location is set to transpire around sunset, and transparent skies are probable intended for both the eclipse and the peak of the yearly Perseid meteor shower later that evening. There could potentially be an opportunity to spot a meteor amid the twilight-esque skies produced by totality, which will last for just under two minutes.
Those journeying in search of the most prolonged totality — surpassing two minutes — might decide to venture to Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the fjords located within eastern Greenland. Nights within these latitudes are too short during August, inhibiting reliable meteor spotting. Although, the aurora borealis could appear during the brief night, or perhaps, throughout a passing phase of totality.
August 2027: The ‘eclipse of the century’
The route of totality throughout August, 2027. “GE” designates the spot of greatest eclipse, wherein the moon will seem largest in front of the sun, with “GD” indicating the point of greatest duration, wherein totality will remain for the longest amount of time.
Even though any total solar eclipse holds significance, the occurrence within 2027 stands as a once-in-a-lifetime sight.
The Aug. 2, 2027 total solar eclipse will endure for as long as an incredible 6 minutes, 22 seconds and may be sighted originating from a path of totality which traverses through portions of Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
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This eclipse is by now being advertised as the “eclipse of the century,” together with observers close to Luxor, Egypt, benefiting from the most prolonged land-based totality within the 21st century. As well as being the most lasting total solar eclipse in this timeframe, this occasion stands out for one more reason: The conditions throughout the path of totality indicate clear skies throughout the region are very likely.
Although these couple of entire solar eclipses are by now building skywatchers’ excitement, a less well-known totality is simply just beyond the horizon. On July 22, 2028, a complete solar eclipse will span Australia and New Zealand, and Sydney will witness its initial totality after 1857. A time of prosperity draws near for eclipse chasers globally.
Jamie CarterSocial Links NavigationLive Science contributor
Jamie Carter serves as a U.K.-based freelance science journalist operating out of Cardiff and often contributes articles to Live Science. He authored A Stargazing Program For Beginners and co-authored The Eclipse Effect, and he also leads worldwide stargazing and eclipse-chasing expeditions. His work shows up routinely in Space.com, Forbes, New Scientist, BBC Sky at Night, Sky & Telescope, plus other significant science and astronomy outlets. As well, he acts as the editor for WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com.
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