The Jeddah Astronomical Society has confirmed that a total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, but will not be visible from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or any Arab country in its total phase, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The celestial event, during which the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and completely blocks the solar disk for observers within a narrow path, will be visible as a partial eclipse across wide areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
Context and Background
The announcement was made by Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, a recognized Saudi astronomical institution that regularly provides the public and media with accurate data on celestial phenomena. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon aligns precisely between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow on our planet. Depending on the alignment, the eclipse can be total, annular, or partial. A total eclipse is the most dramatic, briefly turning day into a deep twilight and revealing the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
According to Abu Zahra, the total phase of this eclipse will be visible only from parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small portion of Portugal. Observers in these locations will experience up to approximately two minutes and eighteen seconds of totality. Meanwhile, a partial eclipse will be seen across broader regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and North Africa.
Key Details
The eclipse will begin globally at 15:34 GMT, with the total phase starting at 16:58 GMT. It will reach its peak at 17:46 GMT, and the total phase will end at 18:34 GMT. The partial eclipse will conclude worldwide at 19:57 GMT. These times represent the progression of the phenomenon at different locations on Earth, and local viewing times will vary accordingly.
Abu Zahra emphasized that the total eclipse will not be visible from Saudi Arabia, nor will any Arab country witness totality. However, a partial eclipse can be observed from parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, Libya, and other areas of North and West Africa. The percentage of the Sun obscured will differ by location, offering a partial spectacle for skywatchers in those regions.
The total eclipse provides a rare opportunity to observe the solar corona, as well as optical phenomena such as Baily’s beads and the diamond ring effect. These fleeting visual moments occur when sunlight briefly shines through valleys on the Moon’s edge, creating a jewel-like appearance. Scientifically, the event offers a chance to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, its activity, and its magnetic field, contributing to our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth.
Implications and Impact
This eclipse precedes a highly anticipated total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, whose path will cross large parts of North Africa and the Middle East, including regions of Egypt and Saudi Arabia. That event will feature a maximum totality of about six minutes and twenty-three seconds, making it one of the most significant total eclipses of the 21st century for the region. The 2027 eclipse is expected to draw global attention and could boost astronomical tourism in the areas along its path.
For Saudi Arabia, the 2026 eclipse serves as a valuable opportunity to promote scientific awareness and prepare for the 2027 event. The Kingdom has been actively advancing its capabilities in astronomy and space sciences, with institutions like the Jeddah Astronomical Society playing a key role in public education and observation campaigns. The upcoming eclipse in 2027 will allow Saudi researchers and enthusiasts to participate in a major celestial event visible from their own soil, further inspiring interest in STEM fields among the youth.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Kingdom’s focus on astronomy and space sciences aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, foster innovation, and enhance scientific research. By supporting astronomical societies and promoting public engagement with science, Saudi Arabia is nurturing a knowledge-based society and encouraging youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The 2027 eclipse, visible from parts of the Kingdom, will be a landmark moment that showcases Saudi Arabia’s growing role in space exploration and scientific discovery on the global stage.
20 Questions
Q1. What is a total solar eclipse?
A1. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s disk for observers within a narrow path. This reveals the Sun’s corona and turns day into twilight.
Q2. When will the total solar eclipse of August 2026 occur?
A2. The eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society. The total phase will begin at 16:58 GMT and end at 18:34 GMT.
Q3. Will the total eclipse be visible from Saudi Arabia?
A3. No, the total eclipse will not be visible from Saudi Arabia. Engineer Majed Abu Zahra confirmed that no Arab country will witness totality during this event.
Q4. Where will the total eclipse be visible?
A4. The total eclipse will be visible from parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small portion of Portugal. These locations will experience up to two minutes and eighteen seconds of totality.
Q5. Which regions will see a partial eclipse?
A5. A partial eclipse will be visible from wide areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and North Africa, such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya.
Q6. What time does the eclipse begin globally?
A6. The eclipse will begin globally at 15:34 GMT. The total phase starts at 16:58 GMT, peaks at 17:46 GMT, and ends at 18:34 GMT, with the partial phase concluding at 19:57 GMT.
Q7. What are Baily’s beads?
A7. Baily’s beads are a phenomenon seen during a total solar eclipse when sunlight shines through valleys on the Moon’s edge, creating a series of bright spots just before and after totality.
Q8. What is the diamond ring effect?
A8. The diamond ring effect occurs when a single bright point of sunlight remains visible at the edge of the Moon, resembling a diamond ring. It appears just before and after total eclipse.
Q9. Why is the solar corona visible during a total eclipse?
A9. The solar corona, the Sun’s outer atmosphere, is normally too faint to see because of the Sun’s bright glare. During a total eclipse, the Moon blocks the bright disk, making the corona visible.
Q10. What scientific opportunities does a total eclipse offer?
A10. A total eclipse allows scientists to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, its activity, and its magnetic field. This helps in understanding space weather and its effects on Earth’s technology.
Q11. When is the next major total solar eclipse after 2026?
A11. The next major total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027. Its path will cross North Africa and the Middle East, including parts of Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Q12. How long will totality last during the 2027 eclipse?
A12. The maximum duration of totality during the August 2, 2027 eclipse will be about six minutes and twenty-three seconds, making it one of the longest of the 21st century.
Q13. Will the 2027 eclipse be visible from Saudi Arabia?
A13. Yes, parts of Saudi Arabia lie within the path of totality for the August 2, 2027 eclipse. This will be a significant event for the Kingdom and the region.
Q14. What is the Jeddah Astronomical Society?
A14. The Jeddah Astronomical Society is a Saudi astronomical organization based in Jeddah. It is led by Engineer Majed Abu Zahra and provides accurate information on celestial events to the public.
Q15. Who is Engineer Majed Abu Zahra?
A15. Engineer Majed Abu Zahra is the President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society. He is a recognized Saudi expert in astronomy and often speaks to media about celestial phenomena.
Q16. How can safely observe a partial solar eclipse?
A16. To safely observe a partial solar eclipse, use certified solar viewing glasses or specialized solar filters. Never look directly at the Sun without proper protection, as it can cause eye damage.
Q17. Why does a total eclipse only last a few minutes?
A17. A total eclipse lasts only a few minutes because the Moon’s shadow moves rapidly across Earth’s surface. The alignment of Sun, Moon, and Earth is precise and brief.
Q18. What is the difference between a total and partial eclipse?
A18. In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the corona. In a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun is obscured, and the corona is not visible.
Q19. How does the 2026 eclipse benefit Saudi Arabia?
A19. The 2026 eclipse raises public awareness about astronomy and prepares Saudi enthusiasts and researchers for the 2027 total eclipse visible from the Kingdom, promoting scientific interest.
Q20. How does astronomy align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A20. Astronomy and space sciences support Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, scientific research, and youth engagement in STEM fields. They help build a knowledge-based economy and global scientific partnerships.
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