Total Solar Eclipse to be Broadcast Live by ESA from Spain on August 12, 2026
A total solar eclipse will traverse parts of Europe on August 12, 2026, offering both viewers on the ground and online a chance to witness this astronomical event. The European Space Agency (ESA) will host a live broadcast from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre in Teruel, Spain, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT (19:30 CEST).
Path of Totality Across Europe
This solar eclipse will occur when the Moon positions itself directly between Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow that plunges a narrow region into darkness. The path of totality will extend across Greenland, Iceland, a small section of northeastern Portugal, and into Spain. Observers outside this narrow path will experience a partial solar eclipse, witnessing the Moon appear to take a ‘bite’ out of the Sun.
ESA’s Eclipse Broadcast
ESA’s broadcast from Javalambre will feature award-winning science communicator Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin as the host. Joining her will be ESA’s Director of Science, Professor Carole Mundell, and several ESA scientists, including Andy To, Miho Janvier, and Martin Hewitson, along with observatory director Javier Cenarro. The program will delve into various scientific aspects of eclipses, including the Sun’s corona and significant historical eclipses that enhanced our understanding of gravity.
Main Event Timing
The peak of totality at Javalambre will occur at 2:31 p.m. EDT (11:31 a.m. PDT), with the Moon completely obscuring the Sun for a total of 1 minute and 21 seconds. This moment will be captured through telescope views and drone footage, showcasing not just the event but also the reactions of the presenters.
Why Javalambre?
The Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre is uniquely positioned within the eclipse’s path of totality. Its two primary telescopes conduct extensive celestial surveys, minimizing cloud cover and light pollution. The location provides a clear view toward the western horizon, which will be crucial as the Sun moves toward the horizon during the eclipse. Special small telescopes will be set up to continuously stream a close-up view of the solar phenomenon.
Additional Live Feeds
ESA plans to enhance the broadcast experience by incorporating additional live feeds from other locations in the path of totality, including a public event in León and observations in Frómista (Palencia) led by collaborator Alejandro Sánchez de Miguel, associated with the Institute of Astrophysics of Andalusia and the Complutense University of Madrid.
