August’s total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland

The total solar eclipse of August 12 2026 will trace a narrow path of totality across the Atlantic and into Europe, with the shadow sweeping over Spain, Iceland and Greenland, according to coverage from PBS and Phys.org. Partial phases will be visible across much of the United States, as shown in maps published by WCVB and WBAL‑TV, and the eclipse will also be observable in the United Kingdom, including Yorkshire and the Channel Islands, as reported by the BBC. Media outlets have focused on practical viewing information and scientific activity.

PBS and the New York Times published guides on where and when to watch, while the European Space Agency posted instructions for streaming the eclipse from home. The Irish Times highlighted that thousands of special viewing glasses have already been sold, and Forbes provided tips for verifying glass safety. Space.com and Space magazine are delivering live‑update feeds, and NASA announced a chase campaign that will deploy high‑altitude balloons and a specialized jet to capture observations above the cloud line.

The eclipse is described as the most prominent solar event in 27 years, a rarity that heightens both public interest and scientific value. Coverage notes that NASA’s science programs will use the brief period of totality to conduct experiments, a point underscored by a NASA Science blog titled “NASA Science Soars During August Total Solar Eclipse.” Safety considerations dominate the narrative, with multiple outlets urging the use of certified glasses and offering packing checklists, such as Live Science’s guide to what to bring for the “epic sky show.” Future coverage is expected to track the NASA chase operation, with Space and NASA releases promising further live updates as the balloons and jet ascend on the day of the eclipse. Viewers in the United States can follow state‑by‑state visibility maps from WCVB and WBAL‑TV, while audiences in Europe can tune to ESA’s streaming service and BBC regional bulletins for local event details.