The 2026 Total Solar Eclipse: Path of Totality Over Iceland and Spain

• A total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, featuring a path of totality across limited land areas in the Northern Hemisphere.
• The path crosses the Arctic Circle, passing through eastern Greenland, Iceland, and ending in northern Spain.

Observations in Iceland

• The shadow will reach the Snæfellsnes peninsula at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time.
• The Snæfellsjökull volcano, located on the peninsula, is a major landmark, noted for its glacier, national park status, and appearance in Jules Verne's A Journey to the Center of the Earth.
• The area was designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2025 due to its volcanic landscapes and diverse flora.

Observations in Spain

• The moon's shadow travels across the North Atlantic to reach northern Spain shortly before sunset.
• The path follows an east-southeast trajectory along the Ebro River, passing through the vineyard-rich region of La Rioja.
• Satellite cloud cover data indicates that viewers in Spain have a higher probability of clear skies compared to those in Iceland.

Regional Impact

• While totality is limited to specific areas, parts of Europe, Africa, Canada, and the northeastern U.S. will experience a partial eclipse.
• NASA utilized Landsat 8 and 9 satellite imagery to map and document the geographical features along the path of totality.