See Stunning Images of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse From Nat Geo Photographers

Key Points:

• On August 12, 2026, Europe experienced its first total solar eclipse since 1999, with mainland Spain seeing its first in over a century; the eclipse's path of totality stretched from northern Russia through Greenland, Iceland, and the Atlantic to Spain and a small part of Portugal.
• Approximately 15 million people lived within the path of totality, while hundreds of millions across Europe, parts of North America, and northwestern Africa witnessed a partial eclipse; certified eclipse glasses were necessary except during totality when it was safe to view directly.
• Spain offered dramatic sunset views of the eclipse, with totality occurring as the sun was low on the western horizon, creating unique photographic opportunities and unusual atmospheric effects such as sudden darkness, temperature drops, and altered animal behavior.
• National Geographic photographers captured the eclipse across Europe, highlighting communal experiences and the event's impact on both people and wildlife, while Italy experienced a partial eclipse with organized viewing events emphasizing the cosmic significance of the phenomenon.
• The eclipse coincided with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, and the new moon phase ensured minimal moonlight interference, allowing observers to potentially see bright meteors during totality.