The total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 will offer the best viewing in western Iceland and northern Spain, marking the first total eclipse since 2024. Unlike the 2024 eclipse, which favoured North America, this event's path of totality crosses Europe, though it coincides with the Perseid meteor shower and lunar perigee, making the moon appear larger and the eclipse last longer than usual. The event matters for astronomy enthusiasts worldwide, many of whom will need to travel to catch totality, while others across Canada, the US and Europe will see only a partial eclipse.

Spain is considered the prime viewing spot, with cities including Bilbao, Burgos, Valencia and Zaragoza in the path of totality, and warmer weather than Iceland. Reykjavík and other western Icelandic cities will also see 100% coverage, as will a small part of northern Portugal and remote areas of Russia and Greenland. Coverage elsewhere varies widely: London will see 91%, Paris 92% and Dublin 94%, while North American cities such as New York (9%) and Chicago (0.1%) will see far less. As no location in the US will experience full totality, viewers there are advised to wear proper eye protection throughout, since sunglasses and binoculars offer no safe substitute.