Overview
- The Moon’s umbral track on 12 August 2026 produces totality only over parts of northern and eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands while most of Germany will see a deep partial eclipse with typical coverage between about 84 and 93 percent depending on location.
- Because the event takes place shortly before sunset the Sun will sit very low on the western horizon, so observers need unobstructed westward views and should scout viewing sites in advance.
- Germany’s radiation authority and eye specialists warn that looking at the Sun without certified solar‑eclipse glasses (DIN EN ISO 12312‑2) or safe projection methods can cause permanent retinal damage.
- The Perseids meteor shower reaches its annual maximum the night of 12–13 August with experts giving divergent forecasts that range from a relatively weak showing of a few dozen meteors per hour to as many as 50–100 per hour under dark, clear skies.
- Planetariums, local observatories and astronomy clubs are scheduling public events and Spain is reporting higher tourist demand in the totality zone while observers are reminded of a partial lunar eclipse on 28 August and that the next German total solar eclipse will not occur until 3 September 2081.