Europe solar eclipse live: millions flock to viewing spots in Spain, UK and Iceland

The Guardian UK Wednesday 12 August 2026, 13:44 UTC By Jakub Krupa 1 min read

Key Points

Eclipse to be witnessed by tens of millions across western Europe as enthusiasts gather along path of totalityNordic correspondentIn Iceland, people have flocked by air, land and sea to watch the total solar eclipse – the country’s first in 72 years.

Eclipse to be witnessed by tens of millions across western Europe as enthusiasts gather along path of totality

Nordic correspondent

In Iceland, people have flocked by air, land and sea to watch the total solar eclipse – the country’s first in 72 years.

Europe (LOCATION) Spain (LOCATION) UK (LOCATION) Iceland (LOCATION)

Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

Nearly half of Brits don't know how solar eclipses happen Some Brits are even convinced the Moon ‘switches the Sun off’ like a lightbulb during a solar eclipse. A poll of 2,000 adults found 18% mistakenly think the Moon gets closer to the Earth during a solar eclipse, while 45% of Brits have no idea how the solar event occurs. Two in ten also incorrectly believe an eclipse somehow creates its own light.

Daily Mirror 42m ago

Solar eclipse - live: Can you watch eclipse through phone? See exact timings

Solar eclipse - live: Can you watch eclipse through phone? See exact timings The first near-total solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999 will occur tonight - and experts are warning Brits not to use sunglasses or their phones to watch it Brits are counting down to a spectacular celestial show today as the Moon slides in front of the Sun in the UK's first near-total solar eclipse in more than half a century. The rare event will see daylight dim as the Moon blocks out more than 90% of...

Daily Mirror 43m ago

What time will the solar eclipse be visible in my city in Spain on 12 August?

The total solar eclipse will cross Spain this Wednesday at sunset, peaking around 8.30 pm. See when it will be visible in each city, where it is total, and its peak in Madrid and Barcelona. On Wednesday 12 August, Spain has a date with the sky.

Euronews 59m ago

Europe solar eclipse live: millions flock to viewing spots in Spain, UK and Iceland

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Even outside the path of totality, the eclipse will provide remarkable views.

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What time will the solar eclipse be visible in my city in Spain on 12 August?