Many who experienced 2024’s spectacular total solar eclipse in North America will have had the same question in its aftermath: when is the next eclipse?
Here’s everything you need to know about the sure-to-be-dramatic events 600 days from today.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: When Is It?
The next opportunity to witness a total solar eclipse anyone on Earth is Aug. 12, 2026. On that day, a path of totality will travel through eastern Greenland, western Iceland and across northern Spain.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Where Is It?
The first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999, it will throw a few big cities under the moon’s shadow, from Reykavik in Iceland to A Coruña, Valencia, Zaragoza and Bilbao in Spain. Those in Madrid and Barcelona will be just outside the path.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Viewing Conditions And Climate
Clear skies are most likely on the plains of Spain. That makes Palencia, Burgos and Valladolid the best places to aim for. However, in Spain, the eclipse takes place just before sunset, so the sun and moon will be 10 degrees above the west in northwest Spain and just two degrees from Mallorca, making clear sight lines (and a cloud-free horizon) essential.
Although the chance of clouds is higher in Greenland and Iceland, the sun and moon will be much higher in the sky.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Northern Lights And Shooting Stars
Although there’s no guarantee of either, it’s possible that a dark totality in Iceland could make aurora visible. If that’s unlikely, the night after the eclipse will provide a chance. Meanwhile, those in rural areas of northern Spain will have an excellent chance of seeing the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, which produces about 100 shooting stars. It just happens to coincide with the eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Where To See It?
Given the uptick in interest in all things celestial, it would be wise to plan ahead. Here are 10 places to consider seeing the eclipse:
- Scoresby Sund, Greenland: Offers 1 minute 46 seconds of totality with a 55% chance of clear skies, best viewed aboard a cruise ship for minimal cloud interference.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: Iceland’s capital provides 1 minute and 1 second of totality with a 76% chance of cloud coverage.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland: Famous for its black church, Búðakirkja, this location offers 1 minute 56 seconds of totality with a 75% chance of cloud coverage.
- Palencia, Spain: A top inland location with 1 minute 42 seconds of totality and a low 23% chance of cloud coverage.
- Burgos, Spain: Features 1 minute 44 seconds of totality, a stunning cathedral, and a 31% chance of cloud coverage.
- Valladolid, Spain: Offers 1 minute 28 seconds of totality, a 19% chance of cloud coverage, and is known for its medieval landmarks.
- Segovia, Spain: Near Madrid, this city offers 54 seconds of totality with a 19% chance of cloud and features an iconic Roman aqueduct.
- Sigüenza, Spain: A historic city with 1 minute 38 seconds of totality and a 21% chance of cloud, featuring Sigüenza Castle and a Gothic cathedral.
- Mallorca, Spain: The island provides 1 minute 36 seconds of totality with a 36% chance of cloud, ideal for witnessing a “sunset totality.”
- Cala Vadella, Ibiza, Spain: Known for its beaches, this location offers 59 seconds of totality with a 33% chance of cloud, perfect for nature enthusiasts and partygoers.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Cruise Ships
Several cruises have plans for the 2026 total solar eclipse. Options include Holland America Line’s Voyage of the Vikings, a 35-day trip from Boston featuring Iceland, Greenland, and northern Europe, with totality off Iceland’s west coast. The New Scientist Total Solar Eclipse Cruise explores Iceland’s Golden Circle and Greenland’s Scoresby Sund on a 13-day voyage aboard the Sylvia Earle.
Princess Cruises’ Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage is a 14-day Mediterranean journey with totality off Spain’s coast, while the Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland cruise features a 28-day route from Dover, England. For more intimate experiences, TravelQuest Tours and National Geographic’s ice-class expedition ship sail from Iceland to Greenland’s fjords for a 12-day adventure.
Total Solar Eclipse 2027
Remarkably, Spain will get lucky precisely one lunar year later when, on Aug. 2, 2027, a path of totality will traverse southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. At over six minutes in Egypt, it will offer one of the longest remaining totalities in the 21st century.
Disclaimer: Jamie Carter edits WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and will be guest lecturing on the New Scientist Total Solar Eclipse Cruise to Greenland.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
