On Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will be visible from within a broad path sweeping from remote Russian Siberia to eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain. A totalWhat's the difference between a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse?
During the partial phases of a total solar eclipse, it is unsafe to look directly at the sun; you must useHere are 16 spectacular viewing locations for this rare celestial event. However, as seen from any of these spots, the eclipsed sun will never be higher than 26 degrees above the horizon, so make sure to double-check sight lines from your location ahead of time. All times and cloud statistics come fromand are for totality only.
The totally eclipsed sun will hang just 3 degrees above the western horizon from Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands, giving the sun's corona a golden look. It's risky withcommon on the horizon, but the views from Sant Elm of the eclipse alongside the island of Sa Dragonera could be spectacular. This city of 270,000 on the northern edge of the path of totality, famous for its many"sidrerías" , will toast an eclipsed sun 10 degrees above the west-northwest horizon.
Also about an hour outside Madrid, Guadalajara is known for Sigüenza Castle, Sigüenza Cathedral and the nearby Barranco del Río Dulce Natural Park, where you'll find waterfalls, trails and rock formations. The eclipsed sun will sit 7 degrees above the west-northwest horizon. The view of an eclipsed sun just above the mountains is the prize from this restored castle just north of the centerline on Spain's east coast.
Jamie is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration. He is the editor of