Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and parts of Portugal will witness a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, with a maximum totality duration of approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
According to SPA, Majid Abu Zahra, president of the Jeddah Astronomy Society, stated that the phenomenon will not be visible in Saudi Arabia or Arab countries, though a partial eclipse will be seen in parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, and other areas of northern and western Africa.
The global event begins at 15:34 GMT, with the total phase starting at 16:58 and peaking at 17:46. The total phase ends at 18:34, and the partial eclipse concludes globally at 19:57 GMT.
The event allows researchers to study the solar corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun, its activity, and magnetic fields, as well as visual phenomena like Baily’s beads and the diamond ring.
A subsequent total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027, passing through parts of the Middle East and North Africa, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, with a maximum totality of 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Where will the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, be visible? The total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and parts of Portugal. In these locations, the maximum duration of the total eclipse phase will be approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
Will the 2026 solar eclipse be visible in Saudi Arabia or other Arab nations? The total solar eclipse will not be visible in Saudi Arabia or Arab countries. However, a partial eclipse will be observable in parts of North and West Africa, specifically in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya.
What is the global timeline for the August 2026 eclipse in GMT? The phenomenon starts globally at 15:34 GMT. The total phase begins at 16:58, reaches its peak at 17:46, and ends at 18:34, while the partial eclipse concludes globally at 19:57 GMT.
What scientific opportunities does a total solar eclipse provide? A total solar eclipse allows researchers to study the sun’s magnetic field, its activity, and the outer atmosphere. It also provides a chance to observe visual phenomena known as the diamond ring and Baily’s beads, as well as the solar corona.
When is the next total solar eclipse visible in Saudi Arabia? A total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027. This event will pass through parts of the Middle East and North Africa, including regions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with a maximum totality duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds.