Total Solar Eclipse Path Checker 2026
On June 21, 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Our total solar eclipse path checker 2026 instantly tell you whether your location falls within the path of totality, what time the eclipse begins and ends for your area, and the expected duration of totality. Plan your eclipse viewing experience with confidence.
How the Path Checker Works
1. Enter your city or zip code — your observation location
2. Get instant results — whether you are in the path of totality, partial coverage percentage, and times
3. Plan your viewing — know exactly when to watch and how long totality will last
Solar Eclipse Basics
| Eclipse Phase | Description | Visibility |
|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | Moon starts covering the sun | Partial shade on sun |
| Total eclipse begins | Moon completely covers the sun (path of totality only) | Sun entirely blocked |
| Maximum eclipse | Greatest coverage | Darkest point of eclipse |
| Total eclipse ends | Moon begins uncovering the sun | Sun starts reappearing |
| Partial eclipse ends | Moon completely moves away | Normal sunlight restored |
2026 Total Solar Eclipse Path Overview
| Region | Visibility | Max Duration of Totality | Timing (UTC) |
|---|
| Northeast Canada (Greenland) | Path of totality | ~2m 30s | 17:00-17:30 |
| Iceland | Partial 75-90% | N/A | 17:30-18:00 |
| Spain (Northern) | Partial 80-95% | N/A | 19:30-19:45 |
| Portugal (Northern) | Partial 70-85% | N/A | 19:15-19:35 |
| Southern Europe | Partial 50-70% | N/A | 19:00-19:30 |
| Northern Africa | Partial 40-60% | N/A | 18:30-19:00 |
| Eastern Russia | Path of totality (some segments) | ~2m 00s | 18:00-18:30 |
Path of Totality Map Data
| Location | In Totality Zone? | Partial Coverage | Eclipse Start | Maximum Eclipse | Eclipse End |
|---|
| Reykjavik, Iceland | No | 93% | 17:32 | 18:14 | 18:55 |
| Tromsø, Norway | No | 75% | 17:18 | 17:52 | 18:26 |
| Madrid, Spain | No | 85% | 19:28 | 19:45 | 20:02 |
| Lisbon, Portugal | No | 78% | 19:15 | 19:28 | 19:41 |
| Paris, France | No | 65% | 18:42 | 19:05 | 19:28 |
| Hamburg, Germany | No | 70% | 18:25 | 19:00 | 19:35 |
| Cairo, Egypt | No | 55% | 17:20 | 18:05 | 18:50 |
| Nuuk, Greenland | Yes | 100% | 16:00 | 17:15 | 18:30 |
| Svalbard, Norway | Yes | 100% | 17:20 | 17:55 | 18:30 |
| Istanbul, Turkey | No | 40% | 17:10 | 17:35 | 18:00 |
Best Locations to View the 2026 Eclipse
| Location | Country | Why It's Prime | Totality Duration | Weather Odds |
|---|
| Greenland interior | Greenland | Long totality, high Arctic clarity | ~2m 30s | 40-50% clear |
| Svalbard | Norway | High latitude, low light pollution | ~2m 00s | 30-40% clear |
| Northern Spain (Asturias) | Spain | Accessible, good infrastructure | N/A (95% partial) | 50-60% clear |
| Iceland (Reykjavik) | Iceland | Popular tourist destination | N/A (93% partial) | 30-40% clear |
| Northern Portugal | Portugal | Good weather, accessible | N/A (78% partial) | 60-70% clear |
What to Expect During Totality
| Time | What You Will See | Duration |
|---|
| First contact | Moon's shadow begins touching the sun | Minutes |
| Partial phases | Sun appears as a crescent | 1-2 hours |
| Diamond ring effect | Bright flash of sunlight | Seconds |
| Baily's beads | Beads of light on the moon's edge | Seconds |
| Totality | Sun completely covered, corona visible | 1-3 minutes |
| Temperature drop | 5-15°F decrease in temperature | During totality |
| Animals react | Birds go quiet, insects start chirping | During totality |
| Shadow bands | Faint rippling shadows on surfaces | Final seconds |
Safety Guidelines for Eclipse Viewing
| Method | Safe for Totality? | Safe for Partial? | Notes |
|---|
| ISO-certified eclipse glasses | ✅ Before/after | ✅ Only with ISO 12312-2 | Never look through damaged glasses |
| Welder's glass (#14+) | ✅ Before/after | ✅ | Only #14 or darker shade |
| Pinhole projector | ✅ During totality | ✅ | Project, never look directly |
| Solar filter on telescope | ✅ Before/after | ✅ | Must be certified solar filter |
| Naked eye | ✅ **DURING TOTALITY ONLY** | ❌ NEVER | Remove glasses only during totality |
| Sunglasses | ❌ NEVER | ❌ NEVER | Unsuitable for any direct viewing |
| Camera/Telescope sight | ❌ NEVER | ❌ NEVER | Unless equipped with certified solar filter |
> Critical Safety Rule: Solar eclipse glasses must be worn at all times unless you are within the path of totality and the sun is completely covered. Looking at the partial sun, even for a second, can cause permanent eye damage.
Eclipse Photography Guide
| Shot Type | Equipment Needed | Settings |
|---|
| Partial phases | DSLR with 200-400mm lens, solar filter | ISO 100-400, f/8-f/11, 1/1000s or faster |
| Diamond ring | DSLR with solar filter | ISO 200, f/8, test exposure beforehand |
| Corona during totality | DSLR, no filter needed | ISO 400-800, f/2.8-f/5.6, 1-4 second exposures |
| Wide landscape | Wide-angle lens, tripod | ISO 100, f/8, bracket exposures |
| Phone photography | Solar filter for phone lens | Use HDR, avoid digital zoom |
Historical Context: Total Solar Eclipses
| Year | Date | Path | Longest Totality |
|---|
| 2024 | April 8 | North America | 4m 28s (Mexico) |
| 2026 | June 21 | Arctic/Spain/Iceland | ~2m 30s (Greenland) |
| 2027 | August 12 | North Africa/Spain | 6m 23s |
| 2028 | July 22 | Australia/NZ | 5m 10s |
| 2029 | January 14 | Mid-Atlantic/Europe | 2m 20s |
| Next US Total | 2044 | Montana/North Dakota | ~3m 30s |
Planning Tips for Eclipse Viewers
1. Book accommodations early — hotels in the path of totality book up 12-18 months in advance
2. Arrive 1-2 days early — traffic congestion on eclipse day is severe in popular viewing areas
3. Check weather forecasts — cloud cover is the #1 enemy of eclipse viewing
4. Bring backup transportation — roads may be gridlocked after the eclipse
5. Pack supplies — water, snacks, blankets, portable chairs, and extra batteries
6. Download offline maps — cell service may fail in remote viewing areas
7. Tell someone your plans — especially if traveling to remote areas
Eclipse Visibility by Country
| Country | Partial (%) | In Totality Zone? | Best Viewing Region |
|---|
| Greenland | 95-100% | Yes | Interior, Northeast |
| Iceland | 88-93% | No | Reykjavik area |
| Spain | 80-95% | No | Northern regions |
| Portugal | 75-82% | No | Northern coast |
| Norway | 70-85% | Yes (Svalbard) | Northern territories |
| France | 60-75% | No | Northern regions |
| Germany | 65-72% | No | Northern regions |
| Egypt | 50-60% | No | Northern coast |
| Russia | 70-100% | Yes (far east) | Siberian regions |
| United Kingdom | 20-40% | No | Northern Scotland |
FAQ
When is the next total solar eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse visible from populated areas is June 21, 2026, crossing the Arctic, Iceland, Spain, and Greenland. The next total eclipse visible from the United States will be August 12, 2044.
Is it safe to look at a solar eclipse?
Looking at the partial phases of a solar eclipse is dangerous without proper eye protection. Only during the brief period of totality (when the sun is completely covered) can you look directly at the eclipse. Use ISO-certified eclipse glasses rated to ISO 12312-2 at all other times.
How long does a total solar eclipse last?
Total solar eclipses typically last 2-7 minutes at any given location on the path of totality. The June 21, 2026 eclipse has a maximum duration of approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds over Greenland.
Can I photograph a solar eclipse with my phone?
Yes, but you must use a certified solar filter over your phone's camera lens during the partial phases. Remove the filter only during totality. Without a filter, you risk damaging your phone's camera sensor and your eyes.