Space & Astronomy

By T.K. Randall
June 23, 2026

Image: Total Solar Eclipse (2017)
Credit: Curtisbeimborn / CC BY 4.0 (adapted)

One of the most remarkable celestial shows it is possible to witness will be hitting parts of the world in a couple of months.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly over the Sun in the sky, covering it up to such an extent that it turns day into night for a brief period of time.

For those directly on the path of totality this is a rare and impressive spectacle, but even for those who only see a partial solar eclipse from their location, it is still worth taking a look at.

Fortunately, those hoping to experience this for themselves won't have to wait long - the next total solar eclipse is due to occur on August 12th of this year.

To see full totality, it will be necessary to be in Greenland, Iceland, Northern Spain or in certain parts of Portugal.

Other countries will, however, see varying degrees of eclipse, including the UK, other parts of Europe and also parts of Africa.

One thing that makes this eclipse particularly special is that some areas will see it happen at sunset, meaning that Spain, for instance, will see the eclipse as the Sun starts to dip behind the horizon.

Total eclipses are a surreal and unusual thing to experience - the sky becomes dark (in the middle of the day), the birds start to behave strangely and everything takes on an eerie, otherworldly feel.

It is perhaps no surprise that cultures across the world have revered and feared total eclipses for thousands of years.

Source: CNET.com

Tags: Eclipse