Total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026 live updates
Follow our live coverage of the total solar eclipse 2026 as we count down to eclipse day with the latest news, expert insight and updates before bringing you live reports from Greenland and Spain.
Today, Aug. 12, 2026, Europe will experience its first total solar eclipse since 1999, as the moon's shadow sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Along the narrow path of totality, day will briefly turn to twilight as the moon completely covers the sun, revealing its elusive outer atmosphere — the corona. Meanwhile, millions more skywatchers across much of Europe, as well as parts of northeastern United States and eastern Canada, will witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun.
Live reporting from the path of totality
We'll be following the eclipse from two locations along the path of totality.
Our skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic is currently aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen exploring Greenland's dramatic coast. She'll be aiming to witness totality from Scoresby Sund, the world's largest and longest fjord system. Dobrijevic is hoping for more eclipse luck than last time, when unfortunately, totality was a total bust, but not for the reason you may think.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Meanwhile, our skywatching writer Anthony Wood is joining the DEB initiative in Valoria la Buena, Spain, where the eclipsed sun will hang low above the western horizon shortly before sunset. It will be Wood's first-ever total solar eclipse.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Distributed Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Complete guide | Solar viewing tips | What is a solar eclipse?
One week until the total solar eclipse 2026: The countdown has begun... are you ready?
In just one week, millions of people across Greenland, Iceland and Spain will witness one of nature's greatest spectacles as the moon completely covers the sun.
Our team will be following the eclipse from two incredible locations, aboard an expedition ship in East Greenland with HX Expeditions and from northern Spain with the DEB initiative, bringing you live updates throughout the lead-up to the eclipse and on the day itself
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Last call for eclipse glasses!
If you're planning on viewing the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse then you'll need to get hold of a pair of quality eclipse glasses. Be sure to get a pair from a reputable dealer that conforms to the all important ISO 123-12 - 2 certification and never use an old pair if they appear scratched or damaged in any way!
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Distributed Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Where will the eclipse be visible?
Not everyone will experience totality on Aug. 12.
Some places will see the moon completely cover the sun, while others will experience a partial solar eclipse and for some… no eclipse at all. Womp womp.
Wondering what you'll see from your location? Find out where the eclipse will be visible
Also worth downloading before the big day: The best apps for following the eclipse
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Do clouds ruin a total solar eclipse?
One of the biggest worries before any eclipse is weather.
While a perfectly blue sky is ideal, you don't necessarily need one to enjoy the experience. Even under thin clouds, many of the most dramatic effects of totality can still be visible.
Read more: Here's why cloud cover doesn't always mean an eclipse is ruined.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Have you sorted your eclipse glasses yet?
If you'll be looking at any part of the partial eclipse, you'll need proper eye protection. Never look directly at the sun without certified eye protection.
Don't have eclipse glasses? You can still safely enjoy the eclipse using simple projection methods with everyday household objects.
Check out our how to view the sun safely and what to look for guide for more solar viewing inspiration.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
What actually happens during a total solar eclipse?
Totality lasts only a few minutes, but a lot is happening before, during and after.
From first contact and the dramatic diamond ring effect to the appearance of the sun's corona, each stage offers something unique.
Read more: What to expect at each stage of the total solar eclipse 2026.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
The citizen scientists keeping an eye on the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse
Countless eyes will be watching the moon's silhouette swallow the light of our parent star during the climactic phase of totality on Aug. 12.
Among them will be volunteers from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative — a passion-driven volunteer network of solar observers led by professional astronomers from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale and part funded by NASA.
Discover more on their efforts to capture valuable data on the sun's atmosphere while bringing the public closer to the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse below.
Read more: When a total solar eclipse darkens the sky on Aug. 12, these citizen scientists will be watching.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Distributed Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Just 2 days to go! What time should you look up?
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Could the northern lights appear during the eclipse?
It's one of the questions we've seen pop up a fair bit ahead of Aug. 12.
For observers above the Arctic Circle, since totality briefly turns day into twilight, could they also see the northern lights?
Well, you'd have to be incredibly lucky, but it is not impossible.
Read more: Could the northern lights be visible during the total solar eclipse 2026?
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Greetings from East Greenland - Weather prospects are not looking promising for eclipse day
Good morning space fans! What a beautiful start to the day here in East Greenland. If only we could bring this good weather with us on Wednesday. The current forecast is not looking good, so we will make a decision later today on where to head for our best chance of some clear skies on eclipse day. Despite the far from ideal weather forecast, spirits are still high on HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen as we all soak in the jaw-dropping Greenlandic scenery. -- Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Tomorrow is the day! Are you ready?
After years of anticipation, the wait is almost over.
Tomorrow, the moon's shadow will sweep across Earth, bringing a total solar eclipse to parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. But you don't have to be in the path of totality to enjoy the event.
Millions more people across much of Europe and parts of northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada are also in a good position to see a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun.
Whether you're traveling into the path of totality or watching a partial solar eclipse from home, now's the time to make your final preparations.
- Pack your eclipse glasses
- Charge your camera and phone
- Check the latest weather forecast
- Know your local eclipse times
- Arrive early if you're traveling to your viewing location
We'll be bringing you live updates from both Greenland and Spain throughout eclipse day, following the moon's shadow as it races across Earth. Read our complete guide to everything you need to know before eclipse day. You can also watch the eclipse online!
Read more: Watch the total solar eclipse online Aug. 12 with these free livestreams
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
One day to go as the sun sets over Valoria la Buena, Spain
Volunteers from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast team are on site, hard at work preparing for tomorrow's eclipse, practicing routines, checking hardware and ensuring connectivity as they strive to capture the sun's atmosphere during the climactic moments of totality on Aug. 12.
It's the culmination of months of preparation, a final test guided by group lead Charles Greenwald, with Arath Loza Hernández - a student at the Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico, working to check the telescope alignment. If all goes to plan, their images will be included in a NASA livestream that'll bring millions closer to totality, as the moon's shadow sweeps over central Spain just one day from now.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Possibly the best seat in the house?
I’ve tested my make shift solar filter and captured some lovely photos of the sun! I think we are all set here in East Greenland! Now all that’s left to do is have everything crossed we can keep lovely clear skies. — Daisy Dobrijevic.
Current weather is looking promising from Scoresby Sund
Greetings from Scoresby Sund, Greenland! Wow let’s hope these clear skies remain for totality later today.
But there is still a rather long way to go. I’ve got everything crossed!
Spirits are high aboard MS Spitsbergen as we all saw a polar bear last night and are eagerly awaiting the total solar eclipse today! What a place.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Today's the day for a total solar eclipse!
Eclipse day is finally here.
Today, the moon's shadow will sweep across Earth, bringing a total solar eclipse to parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Along the narrow path of totality, lucky observers will see the moon completely cover the sun, revealing its elusive outer atmosphere — the solar corona.
Read more: A total solar eclipse will darken the sky for millions today! Here's what you need to know
But even if you're outside the path of totality, there's still plenty to see.
Millions of people across much of Europe, along with parts of northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada, will witness a partial solar eclipse.
Our team is following the eclipse from two incredible locations:
- Scoresby Sund, East Greenland where we'll be watching totality from HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen surrounded by fjords and icebergs.
- Valoria la Buena, northern Spain, where totality will unfold just before sunset with the sun low above the western horizon.
We'll be bringing you live updates throughout the day, so stay tuned!
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
The world's best eclipse viewing site?
We're currently sitting deep inside Scoresby Sund, hoping that this beautiful weather holds. I'm already in awe of this landscape and the thought of seeing it drenched in the eerie twilight of a total solar eclipse is already giving me goosebumps. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Hours away from the eclipse in Central Spain, how are the nerves holding?
The day of the eclipse has finally arrived! To celebrate we checked in with Charles Greenwald, the citizen scientist leading a team of volunteers from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative, who will work to contribute images of the eclipse to a NASA livestream.
"Last week in Madrid I was pretty antsy, because I wanted to get to the location and get a good line of sight, Greenwald told Space.com. "I wanted all that planned out so I could be more calm. That happened over the last couple of days and I was kind of surprised when I woke up this morning. It just felt like any morning waking up in bed."
Greenwald and other members of the team are eclipse veterans, who helped study the sun's corona with the DEB during the Great American Eclipse in 2024. That vital experience has allowed them to anticipate the myriad of technical issues inherent with simultaneously tracking the sun and maintaining a direct feed with NASA, this time from a small pueblo in central Spain.
"I think … during the eclipse, even during totality and everything leading up to it, you've got to just accept that some things are out of your control," explained Greenwald. "This morning I woke up and it was kind of like 'why do I not feel, you know, feel a little more excited?' Then I walked outside and saw the sun coming up over the church and I had to work hard to contain it."
Earlier today I accompanied Greenwald and other Catholic members of the team - some of whom had travelled from Mexico and the U.S. - to a special eclipse mass, where the priest remarked on the incredible nature of the cosmic event.
"The mass was really great for me because … my faith, expressing my faith and living my faith is really super important. Having mass today was really special", said Greenwald.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Greenland eclipse sweater at the ready
I designed and knitted this Greenland eclipse sweater especially for this expedition. But had I known it was going to be so warm (it's currently 12 degrees C but feels closer to 20) I would have made a T-shirt!
The atmosphere is incredible. It's like a ship full of excited children the night before Christmas.
I feel so luck to be experiencing this celestial show in the most remarkable environment I've ever had the pleasure of visiting. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Troubleshooting tech issues just hours before the total solar eclipse in Spain
What do you do when the fan gives out on you? Just build a DIY heatsink, of course!
The DEB team in Valoria la Buena, Spain have hit their first technical issue - the fan on the all important computer that interfaces with the solar telescope has stopped working. In the midst of a heatwave.
Ordinarily that might be a show stopper, but the engineers and physics heads here have come up with a cooling solution that could well buy the team the hours they need to observe the sun.
They're building a DIY heatsink.
The gameplan is as follows: Put a bunch of wet towels in the freezer, transport said towels in a cooler to the site and place them in the bottom of a nice shaded cardboard box with foil between the towel and the computer. Viola, you've got yourself a homemade heatsink.
Human ingenuity vs a technology and a Spanish heatwave. Stay tuned to see who wins.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Best seats in the house for the total solar eclipse in Greenland
We're getting ready for the total solar eclipse 2026 from MS Spitsbergen with HX Expeditions.
We've found a really beautiful spot in Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system on Earth. The weather is currently very promising and the backdrop couldn't be more stunning if it tried. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Winds pick up in Greenland ahead of total solar eclipse
The wind has really picked up here in Scoresby Sund, Greenland.
We are trying to position the ship to a more sheltered spot. I was so worried about clouds I hadn't even considered the strong winds! Better hold onto our eclipse glasses! — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
The total solar eclipse 2026 has begun!
The moon has officially started to move across the face of the sun, marking the beginning of today's total solar eclipse.
Although the eclipse begins in northern Siberia, near the North Pole, it will sweep southeastwards across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain over the next few hours before finally ending at sunset in the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to check out our guide on where the eclipse will be visible from for maps and timing information.
We'll be following the eclipse from two very different locations. Our skywatching editor Daisy Dobrijevic is aboard an HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen in Scoresby Sund, East Greenland and skywatching writer Anthony Wood is waiting near Valoria La Buena in northern Spain, where the eclipse will occur just before sunset.
We'll be bringing you live updates from both locations throughout the day so stay tuned!
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Greenland just 15 minutes away from the start of today's eclipse!
T-15 minutes! We are ready!! Despite the gusty winds, spirits are high! The clouds are behaving too. This is going to be a very special moment.
I can't wait to see the moon take that first bite of the sun. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
First contact in Greenland!
The partial eclipse has now begun for Space.com's Daisy Dobrijevic and the HX Expeditions eclipse voyage in Scoresby Sund.
For the next hour, the moon will slowly take bigger and bigger bites out of the sun as everyone onboard makes their final preparations.
Although the landscape still looks bright, as the eclipse progresses, subtle changes begin. The light gradually loses its warmth, shadows become unusually sharp and wildlife can start behaving differently.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Partial solar eclipse well underway in Greenland
It's amazing how quickly a tiny bite becomes a noticeable chunk. Spirits are high on MS Spitsbergen as everyone enjoys this delightful show. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Less than 20 minutes to totality in Greenland
Excitement is building aboard MS Spitsbergen.
The moon now covers most of the sun and the light has become noticeably stranger. Colors begin to fade, temperatures often start to fall and the landscape can take on an almost metallic appearance.
Everyone is now in position with cameras ready. — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Just minutes to go until totality in Greenland
There are now only a few minutes until totality reaches Greenland.
The light is beginning to change here and it has definitely gotten colder as the sun becomes increasingly blocked by the moon. The wind has begun to die down slightly.
The sun's outer atmosphere, the corona, is about to become visible. I cannot wait! — Daisy Dobrijevic
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
1st images of totality from Greenland!
Totality has arrived for the eclipse chasers in Scoresby Sund!
For around 2 minutes and 17 seconds, daylight gives way to an eerie twilight as the moon completely covers the sun.
The dazzling solar corona surrounds the black lunar disk. THIS is the moment every eclipse chaser wants to experience.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
And we have first contact in Valoria la Buena, Spain!
The moon's disk has finally started to eclipse the sun as seen from Valoria la Buena, Spain and the DEB cameras are rolling!
Charles Greenwald and Arath Loza Hernandez are executing well-practiced routines to capture the moon's march across the lunar surface as the rest of the group falls further into the grips of excitement.
Not for the first time this trip I desperately wish I knew Spanish! — Anthony Wood
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Partial solar eclipse seen from Bath, England
After a hot and sweaty walk up Kelston Roundhill in Bath, I am finally set up. It is clear skies but it is 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), so I’m really feeling the heat of our home star.
I have my Unistellar Equinox 2 with a solar filter attached and I have strapped together a solar projector from some regular binoculars too, which was quite exciting to build! There are plenty of people around on the hill and the atmosphere is great, with lots of families and one group of lads who were asking round for spare solar eclipse glasses. — Harry Bennett
As a lifelong skywatcher, Harry remembers watching the Perseid meteor shower every summer in his hometown and being amazed by the wonders of the night sky.
First reactions from Greenland
Daylight has now returned to Scoresby Sund.
Eclipse chasers are celebrating an unforgettable eclipse with HX Expeditions, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
We're beginning to receive the first images and reactions from the ship. Everyone was in awe and completely silent, enjoying getting to experience this in such a stunning location. There was a huge prominence visible and getting to see the corona with binoculars was the icing on the cake. We could see Jupiter, Venus and Mercury as clearly as if it were night.
What a special, special day.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
The partial eclipse is underway in the skies over Valoria la Buena, Spain
Greenland may have already experienced totality but things are just getting started here in central Spain, as the partial phase of the eclipse is well underway as the moon's orbit draws it inexorably deeper into the solar disk.
At this time the sun is riding very low, just 10 degrees above the western horizon. Thankfully the skies remain beautifully free of clouds, giving the citizen scientists of the DEB team a perfect view of one of nature’s greatest shows. — Anthony Wood
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Incredible views of the partial solar eclipse from Somerset, England
Space.com's Harry Bennet continues to capture captivating views of the partial solar eclipse as seen from Kelston Roundhill in Bath.
Harry is shooting the eclipse with a Unistellar Equinox 2 with a solar filter.
As a lifelong skywatcher, Harry remembers watching the Perseid meteor shower every summer in his hometown and being amazed by the wonders of the night sky.
15 minutes away from totality in Spain!
We're just 15 minutes from totality! The excitement and anticipation is coming to a crescendo as Greenwald and the team capture an endless stream of images of our parent star. The moon’s silhouette has now transformed the sun into a mesmerizing crescent, which grows smaller by the second.
The sky already appears subtly darker and the air perhaps cooler, but we know that what comes next will be even more spectacular. The last shred of the sun's disk will appear to form a "diamond ring" around the moon, before Baily's beads shine as the final vestiges of the solar disk shine through the valleys scarring the lunar surface!
Read more: 13 amazing things to see during the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Maximum partial eclipse as seen from Somerset, England
Space.com's Harry Bennett closes out his 'ove eclipse coverage with this incredible photograph of maximum partial eclipse as seen from Somerset, England.
For these shots, Harry used a Unistellar Equinox 2 with a solar filter.
As a lifelong skywatcher, Harry remembers watching the Perseid meteor shower every summer in his hometown and being amazed by the wonders of the night sky.
1st images of totality from Spain
Pandemonium has erupted and the eclipse glasses are off!
In a matter of seconds, the moon's shadow has swept across us, plunging the skies over central Spain into a fleeting period of false twilight. The sun's corona can be seen shining out from behind the natural coronagraph of the moon's disk, while Venus can be seen glowing as a bright star-like point to the upper left of our eclipsed star.
We see the orbital mechanics of the solar system every night in the subtle movements of the planets and the shifting phases of the moon, but a total eclipse is something different. It's like getting a sneak peek into the inner workings of the cosmos.
And I'm afraid that words and photos will do little to convey the majesty of experiencing totality firsthand.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
Totality over Valoria la Buena, Spain
Totality here lasted just 1 minute and 37 seconds, but has left an impression that will stay with everyone who saw it for the rest of their lives. The sun has now emerged from behind the moon, first manifesting as Baily's beads before growing into another glowing crescent.
The citizen scientists of the DEB travelled from the U.S., Mexico and Spain to capture its every moment. For many, including myself, it was the first, but almost certainly not the last.
Read more: Total solar eclipse 2027: A complete guide to the 'eclipse of the century'.
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
An eclipsed sunset
The waning partial eclipse is still underway as the sun slips beneath the horizon, setting the stage for an unforgettable sunset. But of course, the show is far from over!
We're already anticipating the start of another incredible natural light show in the coming hours, as the Perseid meteor shower reaches peak activity in the wonderfully dark skies following the August new moon!
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he's joining the citizen science project DEB (Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He'll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
The eclipse ends worldwide
The moon has now slipped away from view, bringing the Aug. 12, 2026 total solar eclipse to an end.
Over the course of just a few hours, the eclipse crossed thousands of miles, treating observers across Europe to some remarkable views of partial phases and totality.
Read more: Total solar eclipse 2026 thrills millions with a stunning cosmic spectacle (photos, video)
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions' MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She'll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.