Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Hotel costs skyrocket in Spain and Iceland as millions wait to see rare celestial event
Solar eclipse 2026 live updates: Millions in Spain and Iceland are preparing to witness a total solar eclipse. Demand for hotel rooms in both Spain and Iceland has skyrocketed ahead of the rare celestial event.
Solar eclipse 2026 live updates: Daylight will briefly give way to darkness on Wednesday as the Moon will completely cover the Sun, causing a rare total solar eclipse....Read More
The eclipse will be seen either partially or in totality from several regions, including Europe, Greenland, Iceland, northwestern Africa and parts of the United States.
What is an eclipse?
An eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight and casting a narrow shadow over parts of our planet.
During a total solar eclipse, daylight can briefly turn into twilight. Temperatures may fall, shadows can take on unusual shapes, and some animals may behave as if night has arrived.
Will the solar eclipse be visible in India?
No, the solar eclipse will not be visible in India, either as a total or partial eclipse. The main reason is that the eclipse's visibility path does not extend over India. A solar eclipse can only be seen from the part of Earth where the Moon's shadow falls.
For this eclipse, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, with the path of totality passing through parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal. Other parts of Europe, North America and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
‘Cosmic coincidence’
In reality, the phenomenon is the result of a "cosmic coincidence", according to Nasa. "Even though the Sun is about 400 times bigger than the Moon, it is also about 400 times farther away," the US space agency says.
As a result, people in the right location can see the Moon completely cover the Sun, revealing its outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
Where will it be visible?
On August 12, the total eclipse will first be visible from a remote area in northern Russia.
The “path of totality”, as it is known, will then pass over Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
In Spain, the path will broadly stretch from the northern city of Oviedo to the island of Mallorca.
How long will it last?
In Spain, the total eclipse will be visible for less than two minutes shortly before sunset.
It will continue for slightly longer in some parts of Russia and Greenland, although the total duration will remain under two-and-a-half minutes.
Partial phases of the eclipse, which occur as the Moon begins to move across the Sun and then moves away, will last around one hour and 45 minutes.
Solar eclipse timing
According to information gathered from multiple reports, here is how the eclipse will unfold on August 12
15:34 GMT: The partial eclipse begins at the first location on Earth.
16:58 GMT: The total solar eclipse begins at the first location.
17:46 GMT: The eclipse reaches its maximum, with totality lasting about two minutes and 18 seconds near the centre of its path.
Around 17:48 GMT: The eclipse reaches its maximum in Reykjavik, Iceland.
Around 18:27 GMT: Totality reaches Spain.
18:34 GMT: The total eclipse phase ends globally.
19:58 GMT: The partial eclipse ends at the last location on Earth
Why the celestial event is rare
One or two solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth each year. However, because the path of totality covers only a narrow area, the same location may have to wait around 400 years for another total eclipse.
On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will pass across southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Totality during that eclipse will last six minutes and 23 seconds. A longer total solar eclipse will not occur until 2114.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 06:31:21 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Where will it be visible?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: On August 12, the total eclipse will first be visible from a remote area in northern Russia.
The “path of totality”, as it is known, will then pass over Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
In Spain, the path will broadly stretch from the northern city of Oviedo to the island of Mallorca.
- 12 Aug 2026, 05:51:15 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Spain prepares for rare solar eclipse amid concern over heat and wildfires
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Spaniards rushed to buy specialized glasses to view a rare total solar eclipse Wednesday, as authorities warned people flocking to rural areas to avoid anything that could spark new wildfires.
Across a swath of northern and central Spain, millions of people will have some of mainland Europe's best views of the celestial spectacle. It will begin around sunset, when the sun, moon and Earth align, briefly bringing parts of the Iberian Peninsula, plus slivers of Greenland and Iceland, into darkness.
-AP
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- 12 Aug 2026, 05:41:13 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Why the celestial event is rare
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: One or two solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth each year. However, because the path of totality covers only a narrow area, the same location may have to wait around 400 years for another total eclipse.
On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will pass across southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Totality during that eclipse will last six minutes and 23 seconds. A longer total solar eclipse will not occur until 2114.
- 12 Aug 2026, 03:45:48 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Will it be visible in India?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: The total solar eclipse occurring today is set to be a major skywatching event, but Indian viewers will miss it.
That is because India lies outside the path along which the Moon's shadow will reach Earth. Indian skywatchers, therefore, will not be able to watch the eclipse directly from any part of the country.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 03:25:03 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Eclipse chasers flock to Spain for 'breathtaking' experience
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Suddenly, the world is plunged into an eerie, violet darkness. The temperature drops. Birds and other animals, bewildered by unforeseen night, start behaving strangely. Stars and planets appear in the sky next to the blotted-out Sun.
It is this awe-inspiring sight that has drawn people from all over the world to northern Spain on Wednesday to witness a rare total solar eclipse.
"People do get addicted to it because it is such a moving experience," said Lucie Green, one of four self-described "eclipse chasers" who spoke to AFP before the event.
-AFP
- 12 Aug 2026, 03:09:18 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: What not to do during the eclipse?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Here are some things you may want to avoid during the solar eclipse, according to traditional Vedic practices and Dr Jai Madaan's guidance.
1. Avoid making major decisions
Try to postpone major career changes, signing important contracts or making large financial commitments until after the eclipse. Traditional astrological belief suggests that the eclipse may affect your clarity and judgment, making it harder to assess a situation calmly.
Give yourself time to think before finalizing anything significant.
2. Don't start new ventures
Launching a business, beginning a major project, or even starting a new fitness or diet routine is traditionally discouraged during an eclipse. This period is more suitable for reflection, closure and review than for fresh beginnings.
If you have an important new plan, consider using the eclipse to prepare for it instead of officially starting it.
3. Steer clear of heated conversations
Emotions may feel more intense during an eclipse, and this can sometimes create additional tension in relationships. Avoid starting difficult or confrontational conversations, particularly with your partner or family members, if the situation can wait.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 02:31:52 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Will the rare celestial event be visible from India?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: No, the solar eclipse will not be visible in India, either as a total or partial eclipse.
The main reason is that the eclipse's visibility path does not extend over India. A solar eclipse can only be seen from the part of Earth where the Moon's shadow falls.
For this eclipse, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, with the path of totality passing through parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal.
- 12 Aug 2026, 02:05:37 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Hotel costs skyrocket in Spain and Iceland
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Hotel rooms in Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, were costing an average of more than USD 1,000 for Wednesday night as residents prepared to witness the country's first total solar eclipse since 1954. It will also be the first total eclipse visible from the capital since June 1433. According to data group Lighthouse Intelligence, hotel prices were around twice as high as in 2025.
In Spain, demand for hotel rooms along the eclipse's path of totality has also surged, including in northern cities such as A Coruna, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela.
(Inputs from AP)
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- 12 Aug 2026, 01:15:51 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Why today's celestial event is rare
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: One or two solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth each year. However, because the path of totality covers only a narrow area, the same location may have to wait around 400 years for another total eclipse.
On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will pass across southern Spain, northern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Totality during that eclipse will last six minutes and 23 seconds. A longer total solar eclipse will not occur until 2114.
- 12 Aug 2026, 12:18:40 PM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: UK issues warning on tight power supplies ahead of eclipse
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: The UK's power grid operator warned that electricity supplies could be tight on Wednesday evening as the solar eclipse reduces sunlight during an intense heat wave.
Britain's National Energy System Operator has forecast a power margin shortfall of nearly 1.8 gigawatts from 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to a market notice issued late Tuesday.
“The notice has been issued as a precautionary measure to the market due to the solar eclipse and there is no risk to customer electricity supplies,” a NESO spokesperson said in a statement, Bloomberg News reported.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 11:50:39 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Millions get set for 'event of the century' in Spain, Iceland
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Millions of people across Spain and Iceland geared up to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, packing their protective glasses and travelling to areas where the rare astronomical event can be observed in full.
Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, said Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science.
In Iceland's capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses have been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people expects to welcome up to 80,000 visitors.
(With inputs from Reuters)
- 12 Aug 2026, 10:56:38 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Will the solar eclipse be visible in India?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: No, the solar eclipse will not be visible in India, either as a total or partial eclipse.
The main reason is that the eclipse's visibility path does not extend over India. A solar eclipse can only be seen from the part of Earth where the Moon's shadow falls.
For this eclipse, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere, with the path of totality passing through parts of northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal. Other parts of Europe, North America and northwest Africa will see a partial eclipse.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 10:17:35 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Electricity prices in Germany to briefly surge during eclipse
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Electricity prices in Germany are expected to rise briefly on Wednesday as the solar eclipse reduces sunlight, news agency AFP reported citing market data.
Spot electricity for Wednesday evening, when the partial eclipse is expected to block much of the sunlight, was being offered at more than 400 euros ($461.61) per megawatt-hour (MWh) during some 15-minute periods. This is more than twice Tuesday's price for the same period, according to European Power Exchange data.
Prices for the period between 7:45 pm and 8:00 pm (1745 and 1800 GMT) on Wednesday, around the time of the eclipse's peak, were as high as 461.17 euros.
Such sudden price movements are increasingly common in Germany's power market, where renewable energy plays a growing role. However, supplies from these sources can vary depending on weather conditions.
(Inputs from AFP)
- 12 Aug 2026, 09:54:25 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: How long is rare total solar eclipse expected to last?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: In Spain, the total eclipse will be visible for less than two minutes shortly before sunset.
It will continue for slightly longer in some parts of Russia and Greenland, although the total duration will remain under two-and-a-half minutes.
Partial phases of the eclipse, which occur as the Moon begins to move across the Sun and then moves away, will last around one hour and 45 minutes.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 09:32:04 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Where can solar eclipse be seen?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: On August 12, a remote region of northern Russia will be the first place to witness the total solar eclipse, news agency AFP reported.
The eclipse’s “path of totality” will then pass over Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
In Spain, the path will stretch roughly from the northern city of Oviedo to the island of Mallorca.
The eclipse will also pass over parts of Spain that have been devastated by wildfires.
- 12 Aug 2026, 09:21:34 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Do you need protection before seeing the eclipse?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: It is important not to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse, as doing so can cause serious eye damage.
Experts recommend using specially designed eclipse glasses that filter UV rays and meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard, news agency AFP reported.
The eyes do not have pain receptors that can alert the brain to injury, meaning damage may only become apparent later.
Research has shown that following a total solar eclipse in the United States in 2024, searches for "my eyes hurt" on Google surged.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 09:13:40 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: Where will the solar eclipse be visible?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: On August 12, the total eclipse will first be visible from a remote area in northern Russia.
The “path of totality”, as it is known, will then pass over Greenland, Iceland, Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.
In Spain, the path will broadly stretch from the northern city of Oviedo to the island of Mallorca.
- 12 Aug 2026, 09:10:43 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: When will solar eclipse take place in India?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: It is expected to begin at around 9:04 pm IST and end at 1:27 am on August 13, with the eclipse reaching its peak at 11:16 pm.
Since it will take place at night in India, it will not be visible from the country.
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- 12 Aug 2026, 09:05:02 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: What is an eclipse?
Solar eclipse 2026 LIVE: An eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight and casting a narrow shadow over parts of our planet.
During a total solar eclipse, daylight can briefly turn into twilight. Temperatures may fall, shadows can take on unusual shapes and some animals may behave as if night has arrived.
- 12 Aug 2026, 08:57:38 AM IST
Solar eclipse 2026 live updates: Total solar eclipse to take place today
Solar eclipse 2026 live updates: Daylight will briefly give way to darkness on Wednesday as the Moon will completely cover the Sun, causing a rare total solar eclipse.
The eclipse will be seen either partially or in totality from several regions, including Europe, Greenland, Iceland, northwestern Africa and parts of the United States.
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