On August 12, 2026, Portugal and Spain will witness a remarkable astronomical phenomenon: a total solar eclipse.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon interposes itself between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight for a few moments. Although visible from various points around the world, the path of the so-called "band of totality" is restricted and allows the phenomenon to be fully observed only in certain regions.

According to astronomical projections, in the summer of 2026, the band will cross areas of Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Portugal, and northern Spain.

In Portugal, the Trás-os-Montes region will have the privilege of witnessing the eclipse under special conditions. The towns of Rio de Onor and Guadramil, both in the municipality of Bragança, will be completely dark for a few seconds.

In the rest of Portugal, the phenomenon will be only partially visible, with a portion of the sun still illuminated, according to Polígrafo.

On the Spanish side of the border, the observation area will be more extensive, especially in the north of the country. Projections suggest that several Spanish regions will be able to witness the total eclipse for longer, increasing tourist and scientific interest in the event.

The National Solar Observatory in the United States is one of the entities that confirmed the occurrence of this eclipse, precisely tracing its path. Other European astronomical institutions have been reinforcing these projections.

Calculations indicate that, in the Iberian Peninsula, the date of August 12, 2026, will be marked as one of the rare moments in which it will be possible to observe a total eclipse.