Solar eclipse on 12 August 2026

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will take place over Europe. The path of totality will stretch from Greenland, across the North Atlantic, and reach the European mainland in northern Spain. Coinciding with the holiday season, the Balearic Islands – including the popular holiday destination of Mallorca – will also be in the moon’s umbra.

In Radebeul, too, this impressive celestial spectacle will be visible as a partial eclipse and, due to the extent of the eclipse, will be a truly special sight. Around 88 per cent of the Sun’s disc will be covered by the Moon. The event will begin in the evening. First contact is expected at 7.17 pm (CEST). The maximum of the eclipse will be visible at 8.11 pm. The eclipsed sun will then set at 8.34 pm.

“From the Radebeul Observatory, this natural phenomenon can only be seen during its initial phase, which is why, unfortunately, no public viewing event can be organised. Shortly after it begins, the Sun will already be too low, and the large trees and the Elbe hillside will obstruct the view. It is therefore advisable to leave the Elbe Valley and find a vantage point with a clear view of the horizon towards the north-west. It is important to protect your eyes during observation, for example by wearing suitable solar eclipse glasses,” explains Ulf Peschel, director of the Radebeul Observatory.

By the way: the next partial solar eclipse will take place on 2 August 2027. However, only about 20 per cent of the sun’s disc will be obscured on that occasion.