2026's first total solar eclipse on August 12: Where to watch and what to avoid

A total solar eclipse will cross Europe on August 12, casting parts of Spain into darkness. This rare event coincides with lunar perigee and the Perseid meteor shower. Viewers in Spain will experience totality for over a minute, while other regions see partial eclipses. The European Space Agency will stream the eclipse live online for global audiences. Safe viewing practices, including certified eclipse glasses, are strongly recommended for all observers.