Who can see this year’s total solar eclipse — and why you need special glasses

An extraordinary celestial event is approaching as a total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, 2026. The path of totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will be visible across parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a small area of Portugal. Many other regions, including sections of the northern United States, most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa, will experience a partial solar eclipse.

To safely observe this rare spectacle, special-purpose solar eclipse glasses are absolutely essential. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, do not offer adequate protection and can lead to severe and permanent eye damage, including blindness from solar retinopathy. Certified eclipse glasses meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard and are designed to block harmful ultraviolet, infrared, and nearly all intense visible light.

These specialized filters must be worn during all partial phases of the eclipse. The only time it is safe to view the eclipse without protection is during the brief period of totality, when the moon fully covers the sun's face. Another significant total solar eclipse is anticipated on August 2, 2027, with its path crossing southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East.