A Total Solar Eclipse Reached Europe for the First Time in 27 Years

On August 12, 2026, the Moon passed directly between Earth and the Sun, blocking it completely — a total solar eclipse. It was the first visible in Europe in 27 years. The full shadow crossed northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, lasting over two minutes. About 15 million people saw near-total darkness; 980 million saw partial coverage.