What Time Eclipse 2026: Key Dates, Visibility and Viewing Tips
The year 2026 will host two remarkable solar eclipses: an annular eclipse in February and a total eclipse in August. Both events offer unique viewing opportunities for Europe, especially for sky‑watchers on the Balearic island of Mallorca. Below is a concise guide that answers the most common question – what time eclipse 2026 will occur – and explains how to make the most of each phenomenon.
February 17, 2026 – Annular Solar Eclipse
An annular eclipse, often called a “ring of fire,” happens when the Moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the Sun’s, leaving a bright rim of sunlight visible around the Moon’s silhouette. This eclipse will be visible from parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including southern Africa, Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean.
- Exact timing (UTC): The eclipse begins at 08:14 UTC, reaches maximum at 09:49 UTC, and ends at 11:23 UTC.
- Visibility in Europe: The annular phase will not be visible from Europe, but a partial eclipse will be observable from the far northern latitudes, with the Sun’s coverage peaking at roughly 20 %.
- Safety tip: Never look directly at the Sun without proper solar filters. Use ISO‑certified eclipse glasses or a solar‑filter‑equipped telescope.
For detailed maps and local circumstances, see the resources at eclipsophile.com and timeanddate.com. These sites provide interactive charts that let you enter your city to obtain the exact start, maximum, and end times in your local time zone.
August 12, 2026 – Total Solar Eclipse
The August eclipse will be the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in more than 25 years. The path of totality crosses the Atlantic, sweeps across Iceland and Greenland, and then moves over northern Spain, including the island of Mallorca. This is a rare chance for European observers to experience the dramatic darkness of a total eclipse.
- Exact timing (UTC): Partial phases start at 06:45 UTC, totality begins at 08:12 UTC, reaches the maximum at 08:16 UTC, and ends at 08:20 UTC. The eclipse concludes its partial phases at 09:58
