2026 Solar Eclipse Live: Watch the August 12 Eclipse
The total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026 is happening today as the Moon’s shadow moves from the Arctic through Greenland and Iceland before crossing northern Spain and a small corner of Portugal. Watch live streams, broadcast times, local eclipse information and real-time updates below.
Live-stream status: 🔴 LIVE NOW — Official NASA broadcast is streaming live below.
Event date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Page last updated: 12 August 2026
Watch the 2026 solar eclipse live online
The official NASA live broadcast is embedded below, featuring live telescope views, high-altitude aircraft coverage, expert commentary, and solar corona science live from the path of totality.
Rather than depending on one feed, backup viewing options from the European Space Agency (ESA) and regional observatories remain available as weather across ground-based camera locations shifts.
What time does the 2026 solar eclipse begin?
Across the Earth, the partial eclipse begins at approximately 15:35 UTC. The first total phase begins at approximately 16:59 UTC, greatest eclipse occurs at approximately 17:47 UTC, and the final total phase ends at approximately 18:35 UTC. The final partial eclipse ends at approximately 19:59 UTC.
These are global event times. The time visible from your city depends on your location and time zone.
Check the 2026 eclipse time for your city or use the interactive map to calculate the circumstances at your exact viewing point.
Approximate local eclipse times
| Location | Eclipse type | Approximate maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Reykjavík, Iceland | Total | 17:49 GMT |
| A Coruña, Spain | Total | 20:28 CEST |
| Madrid, Spain | Very deep partial | 20:32 CEST |
| Valencia, Spain | Total | 20:33 CEST |
| Palma de Mallorca, Spain | Total | 20:32 CEST |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Partial | 19:29 WEST |
| London, United Kingdom | Partial | 19:19 BST |
| Paris, France | Partial | 20:22 CEST |
These times are approximate city-centre estimates. Even within the same region, contact times and the duration of totality change with location. Use our city eclipse guides and interactive map for more precise information.
How to follow the eclipse on this page
- Watch the player above. NASA’s primary feed covers key totalities starting from Iceland into Spain.
- Check the stream status. If local clouds interrupt a telescope view, secondary camera feeds will automatically be switched in.
- Keep the city map open. Follow local times and compare what is happening across Europe.
What will the live broadcast show?
Inside the path of totality, the Moon will completely cover the bright face of the Sun. The sky will darken, the solar corona will become visible and the horizon may glow like a sunset in every direction.
Outside the path, viewers will see a partial solar eclipse. London, Paris, Lisbon, Dublin, Madrid and Barcelona will all see most of the Sun covered, but they will not experience the corona or the darkness of totality.
Spain presents a special broadcasting challenge because totality happens close to sunset. Streams from several regions provide valuable alternatives if cloud cover affects low-horizon views in western Spain.
Can I watch from my own city?
Use the 2026 eclipse city finder to check whether the eclipse is total or partial where you live. Each city guide includes the approximate time of maximum eclipse, percentage of the Sun covered, Sun altitude, viewing direction and a local simulation.
How to watch safely outside
A live stream is safe to watch on an ordinary screen. Looking directly at the real Sun is different.
- Use certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses during every partial phase.
- Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, regardless of how dark they appear.
- Never look through binoculars, a telescope or a camera without a suitable solar filter fitted over the front of the instrument.
- Only viewers inside the path of totality may remove eclipse glasses during the brief period when the Sun is completely covered.
- Put the glasses back on immediately when the first bright part of the Sun reappears.
Read the complete 2026 eclipse glasses and eye-safety guide before observing outdoors.
2026 eclipse live-stream questions
Is the 2026 solar eclipse streaming live right now?
Yes, official coverage from NASA is active in the player above. Additional broadcast feeds from the European Space Agency and local observatories are also running continuously through the eclipse duration.
What time should I watch the live stream?
NASA’s transmission is live throughout the afternoon UTC. Viewers interested in Spanish totality should tune in closely between 18:25 UTC and 18:35 UTC (20:25–20:35 CEST local time).
Can I watch the eclipse later?
Yes. Once the broadcast concludes, the player above will convert into a full replay, accompanied by highlights and detailed solar corona scientific captures.