Solar eclipse 2026: Your complete guide to Wednesday's celestial event

A total solar eclipse is set to dazzle skywatchers across the world on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

It marks the first time that Europe will experience complete darkness since 1999.

On Wednesday’s celestial show, the moon’s shadow will pass over Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and the Balearic Islands.

As this solar eclipse nears, millions are set for a celestial delight.

Despite the scale of this total solar eclispe which is nearing and about to put a celestial delight for millions, some locations particularly the northeastern U.S. and Canada will experience only a partial eclipse.

Let’s find out where the ideal spots are for skywatchers to catch the second total solar eclipse of the year in the U.S. and across the globe.

Here’s a complete guide to the best viewing spots and timings.

Total or near-complete darkness on August 12

Following are best described spots and timings where skywatchers can experience near or complete totality:

• Teykjavik, Iceland at 100%—1.48 to 1:49 p.m.
• Valencia, Spain, at 100%—2:32 to 2:33 p.m.
• Barcelona at 99.9%—2.29 p.m.
• Madrid at 99.9%—2.32 p.m.

Best locations to witness partial eclipse

For most Americans, daylight will barely change, but Alaska and Maine? They’re your best spots for a partial eclipse.

• Fairbanks at 37%—12:27 p.m.
• Achorage at 28%—12:21 p.m.
• Juneau at 17%—12:24 p.m.
• Caribou at 29%—1:50 p.m.
• Bangor at 24%—1:53 p.m.
• Portland at 19%—1:53 p.m.