The total eclipse of August 12, 2026, begins in remote Siberia, crosses the Arctic and then begins a sweep southward over Greenland, passing near Iceland, making landfall on the northern coast of Spain. It continues near sunset out over the Mediterranean, when the last land-based views will be enjoyed in the Balearics.

As a high-latitude event, the eclipse is of relatively short duration: only 2 minutes and 18 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse, off the west coast of Iceland. The Sun will reach an altitude of only +25.8° at this time, opening up the possibility of some wonderful wide-angle compositions for photographers: a lower altitude means it’s eminently possible to juxtapose the eclipsed Sun against a mountain, building or other landmark.

If you’re observing from the east coast of Greenland, and have access to a RIB or zodiac, there could be some wonderful opportunities to photograph the eclipse composed with one of the rugged mountains that rise from the fjords, or even a passing iceberg – weather permitting! Larger vessels will likely stay well clear of potential obstructions or dangers, limiting the opportunity for imaginative wide-angle shots.

In Spain, the sun’s altitude will be much lower again: only +10° on the north coast, and a mere +2.8° when it reaches Mallorca, making your choice of observing site a critical factor.

Be sure to check out the links below the map showing you shadow maps and eclipse simulations for key locations on the path.

In the interactive map below, click anywhere to set the map pin and check the timings and circumstances of the eclipse. Click the mini-simulator to view in TPE:

Central Path Locations

Observers on the centreline typically enjoy the longest duration of totality. Most observers, particularly those who have not observed many solar eclipses before, tend to congregate there.

• Banyalbufar, Mallorca
• Scoresby Sund, Greenland

Sightlines

For a low altitude eclipse, sightlines are critical. To help you evaluate potential sites, we’ve developed a series of custom “ eclipse-aware ” shadow maps that show where a view of the eclipse would be blocked by mountains and ridgelines:

• Palma, Mallorca
• Grundarfjörður, Iceland
• Scoresby Sund, Greenland

Outside the Central Path

• The View from Madrid