Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Europe Event & 2027 Middle East

A total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, visible in full or partial form across large portions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Spain, Iceland and Greenland. While residents of Israel will not be able to observe this week's eclipse, a far more significant celestial event is expected in the region next year - August 2, 2027.

Wednesday's eclipse, which will last just over 2 minutes and 18 seconds, has drawn scientists and astronomy enthusiasts from around the world. Space agencies will accompany the event with live broadcasts and field research, including launching dozens of balloons to examine atmospheric changes as temperatures drop during the eclipse.

The 2027 eclipse will be exceptionally long, lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, and will be clearly visible throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Israelis will be able to witness an almost complete solar eclipse, with the percentage of the sun's coverage increasing the farther south one travels within the country.

Solar eclipse in USA (PHoto: Screenshot from NASA)

Solar eclipse mapping expert Michael Zeiler, who will observe the event from Greenland, noted that "what excites me is watching rare phenomena." Professor Carole Mundell, chief scientist of the European Space Agency, added that "for me, it's not just a scientific moment. It's not just an amazing alignment of celestial bodies. It's also a very human moment," describing it as "a real human connection between us and the universe."

Dr. Angela DesJardins, who leads a NASA-funded research project, explained that "a few minutes isn't a lot of time, but it's still enough to affect the atmosphere and create the cold, dark shadow of the moon on Earth." Alongside the eclipse, six planets will appear in the sky, as well as the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.