Overview
- A solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will produce totality along a narrow path in parts of Spain, Iceland, Greenland and northwest Portugal, while Germany will experience a deep partial eclipse with up to about 90–92 percent coverage in the southwest.
- In many German locations the partial phase begins in the early evening with maxima around 20:06–20:15 and the Sun very low on the western horizon, so observers need an unobstructed view toward the west.
- The coincidence with a new moon removes moonlight and will improve Perseids meteor visibility through the night, making fainter meteors easier to see after sunset.
- Authorities and experts warn that direct viewing without certified solar filters risks permanent retinal damage and recommend eyewear conforming to DIN EN ISO 12312-2:2015 with a CE mark and that cameras or telescopes must use approved solar filters.
- Planetaria, observatories and media outlets are organising public viewing programmes, talks and photo calls, but clear skies remain the key uncertainty and NASA projects the next total solar eclipse over parts of Germany on 3 September 2081.