Europe’s Great Eclipse
Follow the solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 live as the Moon’s shadow moves across the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic and the Iberian Peninsula.
Countdown to the eclipse
The Open Chronicle tracker uses Lisbon as its main reference clock and changes automatically as the eclipse progresses.
Time until first contact in Lisbon
Lisbon reference: the partial eclipse begins at approximately 18:38 WEST.
One shadow across the Northern Hemisphere
A narrow corridor experiences totality while a much larger region across Europe, North America and northwestern Africa sees a partial solar eclipse.
Solar Eclipse
The Moon completely covers the Sun for observers inside the path of totality.
2026
The eclipse reaches Europe during the late afternoon and evening.
Exceptional Event
A small corner of Portugal reaches totality while most of the country sees a deep partial eclipse.
Near Sunset
Lisbon experiences a spectacular partial eclipse shortly before sunset.
The road to totality
This Open Chronicle visual provides a simplified overview of the eclipse route. Use the official NASA map below for precise local circumstances.
Follow the eclipse from Portugal
Portugal is one of the countries touched by the path of totality. Lisbon remains outside that narrow corridor and experiences a deep partial eclipse.
A dramatic eclipse near sunset
Lisbon does not experience totality. Solar viewing protection must remain in use whenever looking directly at the Sun during the event.
Detailed Lisbon DataLocal eclipse watch
Exact eclipse circumstances vary by location. These cards provide an editorial overview, while the official detailed calculator should be used for precise local timing.
Lisbon
PartialViana do Castelo
PartialVila Real
PartialAveiro
PartialLeiria
PartialSetúbal
PartialFollow the Moon’s shadow
The central shadow begins in the high Arctic and moves toward Greenland, Iceland, the North Atlantic and the Iberian Peninsula.
Watch the eclipse live
Follow official scientific coverage together with Open Chronicle updates as the 12 August eclipse unfolds across Europe and the North Atlantic.
NASA Eclipse Live
NASA's official eclipse broadcast is live, featuring telescope views from along the eclipse path, footage from a high-altitude research aircraft and commentary from scientists and eclipse experts.
Watch NASA LiveThe sky will decide the view
Current viewing conditions and the latest outlook during the 12 August eclipse. Local cloud can still change quickly, especially along the path of totality.
Lisbon is experiencing sunny conditions as the eclipse progresses, providing favourable viewing conditions ahead of maximum eclipse.
Conditions remain favourable in parts of northern Spain. A Coruña is currently partly sunny, with clearer conditions expected into the evening.
Weather remains a significant challenge for observers in Iceland. Reykjavík is reporting light rain, with cloud and showers affecting viewing prospects.
Ittoqqortoormiit is currently partly sunny, although cloud is expected to increase. Conditions therefore remain variable in eastern Greenland.
How to watch safely
Looking directly at the Sun without proper protection can cause serious eye injury.
Protect your eyes
What to look for
A major solar eclipse is more than a changing shape in the sky. Light, temperature and the surrounding landscape can all change as the eclipse deepens.
Through safe solar viewers, the Sun gradually becomes a narrowing crescent as the Moon advances.
Deep eclipses can produce an unusual metallic quality in the surrounding daylight.
As less solar radiation reaches the ground, observers may notice a temporary drop in temperature.
Inside the path of totality, the faint outer atmosphere of the Sun becomes visible around the Moon.
How a total solar eclipse works
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and casts its shadow across our planet.
Partial Eclipse
The broad outer part of the Moon’s shadow produces a partial solar eclipse across a much larger area.
Total Eclipse
The narrow central shadow is where the Moon completely covers the bright solar disc.
The Sun Revealed
During totality, the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere becomes visible around the dark silhouette of the Moon.
Explore the eclipse
Official scientific information, eclipse maps, live coverage and detailed local circumstances.