Witness a Solar Eclipse Coinciding with Auroras and Meteor Shower within 600 Days: Guidance on Attending this Unique Celestial Event
After the breathtaking 2024 total solar eclipse in North America, many might find themselves wondering: what's the next eclipse?
Here's all the deets on the upcoming dramatic event, taking place in 600 days:
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: When and Where
Mark your calendars for Aug. 12, 2026, as that's when Earth's fortunate souls will get another chance to witness a total solar eclipse. The path of totality will run through eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and across northern Spain.
Some big European cities will be right under the moon's shadow. So, people in Reykjavik, Iceland, and spots like A Coruña, Valencia, Zaragoza, and Bilbao in Spain, will have this celestial spectacle overhead. Madrid and Barcelona, however, will just miss out, being just outside the path of totality.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Weather and Climate
Clear skies are the strongest bet in the plains of Spain, so aim for Palencia, Burgos, and Valladolid if you're planning a trip. But fair warning: in Spain, the eclipse takes place just before sunset, which means the sun and moon will be 10 degrees above the west in northwest Spain, and only two degrees away from Mallorca. Clear sightlines and a cloud-free horizon are essential.
Thanks to higher altitudes, cloud cover is less likely in Greenland and Iceland.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Northern Lights and Shooting Stars
A dark totality in Iceland could potentially make the aurora borealis visible. Tempting, but not a guarantee. On the other hand, those in rural northern Spain will have a fantastic chance of witnessing the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower, with around 100 shooting stars lighting up the night sky. Bonus: this event coincides with the eclipse.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Where to Watch
Consider these 10 tantalizing locations to experience the eclipse:
- Scoresby Sund, Greenland: 1 minute 46 seconds of totality with a 55% chance of clear skies, best viewed aboard a cruise ship.
- Reykjavik, Iceland: 1 minute 1 second of totality with a 76% chance of cloud coverage.
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Iceland: 1 minute 56 seconds of totality with a 75% chance of cloud coverage and the famous black church, Búðakirkja.
- Palencia, Spain: 1 minute 42 seconds of totality, low 23% chance of cloud coverage, and stunning views.
- Burgos, Spain: 1 minute 44 seconds of totality, a stunning cathedral, and a 31% chance of cloud coverage.
- Valladolid, Spain: 1 minute 28 seconds of totality, known for medieval landmarks, and a 19% chance of cloud coverage.
- Segovia, Spain: 54 seconds of totality, a 19% chance of cloud, and an iconic Roman aqueduct.
- Sigüenza, Spain: 1 minute 38 seconds of totality, with a 21% chance of cloud, featuring Sigüenza Castle and a Gothic cathedral.
- Mallorca, Spain: 1 minute 36 seconds of totality, a 36% chance of cloud, and a perfect glimpse of a “sunset totality.”
- Cala Vadella, Ibiza, Spain: 59 seconds of totality, a 33% chance of cloud, ideal for beach lovers and partygoers.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Cruise Itineraries
Celebrate the eclipse in style with these cruises:
- Holland America Line’s Voyage of the Vikings.
- The New Scientist Total Solar Eclipse Cruise, exploring Iceland and Greenland.
- Princess Cruises’ Total Eclipse Sky Princess Voyage.
- Scandinavian Solar Eclipse with Greenland and Scotland.
- TravelQuest Tours and National Geographic's ice-class expedition ship.
And if you simply can't wait until 2026: be on the lookout for the next solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027. Spain shall once again have the great honor of experiencing a path of totality, this time traveling across southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. Egypt, in particular, will enjoy an epic 6-minute-plus total eclipse, making it one of the longest remaining in the 21st century.
Stay stargazing, friends! May your skies be clear and your eyes wide open.
After the 2024 total solar eclipse in North America, many might find themselves wondering where is the next eclipse. Mark your calendars for Aug. 12, 2026, as that's when Earth's fortunate souls will get another chance to witness a total solar eclipse, known as Total Solar Eclipse 2026. The path of totality will run through eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and across northern Spain, providing a celestial spectacle for cities like Reykjavik and A Coruńa. Weather forecasts suggest clear skies in the plains of Spain, but in Iceland, the northern lights might make the totality even more breathtaking. For those in rural northern Spain, the annual Perseid meteor shower will also be at its peak during the eclipse. If you simply can't wait until 2026, the next total solar eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2027, and will travel across southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, with Egypt experiencing an epic 6-minute-plus total eclipse.
