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ScienceGermany to see total solar eclipse on Aug 12, 2026, first since 1999
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On August 12, 2026, Germany will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1999. The partial eclipse begins at 5:34 PM CEST off Alaska and moves across the Arctic to the Atlantic, ending at 9:58 PM CEST. In Germany, visibility starts around 7:10 PM, with maximum coverage between 8:00 PM and 8:15 PM. The southern city of Freiburg will see 90% solar coverage, while Berlin sees 85%. The path of totality—where the sun is completely blocked—crosses Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, with the longest totality (2 minutes 18 seconds) off Iceland's coast. Because the eclipse occurs shortly before sunset, a dramatic color spectacle is expected. The next total solar eclipse over Europe will not occur until 2081.
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A total solar eclipse was visible over Canada in 2024. Source: picture alliance/abaca/Schwartz Aaron/CNP/ABACA
On August 12, Germany will experience a total solar eclipse. When the celestial spectacle reaches its peak, where it is best visible, and how the phenomenon occurs. All information with maps, graphics, and table overview at WELT.
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In mid-August, for the first time since 1999, a total solar eclipse will occur over Europe. NASA and ESA report that this time it will be particularly low on the horizon—promising a unique color spectacle. Read below for exactly where, at what time, and what you should observe.
When Is the Solar Eclipse in 2026?
Date and exact timeline: The partial eclipse begins on August 12 at 5:34 PM German time (CEST – Central European Summer Time) off the west coast of Alaska and then moves from the north over the Arctic down to the Atlantic. It ends at 9:58 PM CEST south of the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of West Africa.
How long does the solar eclipse last? The phenomenon lasts a total of four hours and 28 minutes.
How long does the total phase last? The moon's umbra moves across the Earth for one hour and 36 minutes. The longest visibility of the total eclipse is off the coast of Iceland—there, according to timeanddate.de, it lasts two minutes and 18 seconds.
When Is the Solar Eclipse Visible in Germany?
Start, maximum, and end of the eclipse: You can see the solar eclipse in Germany from about 7:10 PM. It reaches its maximum, depending on location, between 8:00 PM and 8:15 PM and can be observed until sunset.
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Times and coverage in German cities:
Where in Germany is the eclipse best visible? The farther south, the more of the sun disappears. Freiburg experiences the greatest solar coverage at 90 percent. Berlin has the lowest coverage at 85 percent.
Why a clear view to the west is important: The solar eclipse begins shortly before sunset—when the sun is in the west. Especially those who want to see the maximum darkening should therefore seek an elevated location with a clear view in this direction.
Where Is the Solar Eclipse in 2026 Total?
The path of totality on the map: The complete darkening of the sun is only visible from a narrow strip. According to NASA, this strip reaches its greatest extent off Iceland, with a width of 294 kilometers.
Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal: In the northernmost tip of Greenland, the total solar eclipse begins at 7:12 PM CEST. Iceland is reached around 7:44 PM CEST. Half an hour later, the partial eclipse begins in Germany.
What is visible outside the zone of totality: Outside the zone of totality, the sun appears as a crescent, similar to a crescent moon near the monthly new moon. It remains significantly brighter there.
What Is Special About the Solar Eclipse in 2026?
Total solar eclipse over parts of Europe: The last total solar eclipse over Europe was on August 11, 1999, which then moved over southern Germany. After 2026, there will be another total solar eclipse over Spain next year. After that, it will be more than half a century to wait. In 2081, the sun will be completely darkened over Europe again, then directly over Germany.
The eclipsed sun shortly before sunset: Since the moon moves in front of the red evening sun shortly before sunset, a particularly dramatic color spectacle is expected.
How dark will it get during totality? During totality, it will be as dark as during deep twilight. In Germany, the sky may noticeably darken, but it will not become completely pitch black despite the late evening hour.
How Does a Solar Eclipse Occur?
How the sun, moon, and earth relate to each other:
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Total Solar Eclipse Over Germany on August 12, 2026: When and Where to See It