Spain total solar eclipse 12 August 2026: Why thousands of eclipse chasers could miss the total solar eclipse

The total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 in Spain occurs near sunset, leaving the Sun very low on the western horizon.

Thousands of eclipse chasers traveling to Spain risk missing totality because low-hanging Sun can be blocked by trees, hills, or buildings.

The path of totality stretches across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, starting in Siberia and passing over Greenland and Iceland.

In eastern Spain, the Sun approaches the horizon more closely, making unobstructed sightlines especially critical for viewing totality.