Total solar eclipse 2026, in pictures: Images from Europe

science/space

If you weren't lucky enough to witness totality in person, here are some photos that show how the event played out.

2 hours ago

Updated: August 12, 2026, 3:12 pm EDTPublished: August 12, 2026, 2:30 pm EDT

Total solar eclipse showing the moon's silhouette surrounded by the sun's glowing white corona against a dark sky — A view of the total eclipse, as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, as seen from on board the Ambassador cruise ship Ambition, off the coast of Greenland, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)

A total solar eclipse was seen over Europe on Wednesday, wowing millions in Spain and Iceland as the moon covered the sun for minutes in what was the biggest celestial event of 2026.

If you didn't have a chance to witness the eclipse firsthand, here are some images that show the beauty of the event, as well as some of the scenes from areas that saw it.

(MORE: You won't have to wait long for the next big skywatching event)

Total solar eclipse glowing above a silhouetted hillside with an iconic Osborne bull billboard — The sun's corona glows as the moon completely blocks the sun during the totality phase of the total solar eclipse as seen from San Asensio, La Rioja region, Spain, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images)

Total solar eclipse showing dark moon silhouette surrounded by glowing golden corona and a red solar prominence — The sun's corona glows as the moon completely blocks the sun during the totality phase of the total solar eclipse as seen from Berlanga de Duero, Spain, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Oscar DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

A man wearing a Paris Saint-Germain jersey and three children wearing solar eclipse glasses look up at the sky from behind a pink barrier — Spectators watch the solar eclipse at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

Crescent-shaped orange sun during a partial solar eclipse against a black sky — The moon partially covers the sun during the early stages of the total solar eclipse as seen from La Zurriola beach in San Sebastian, on Aug. 12, 2026. (Photo by Thomas COEX/AFP via Getty Images)

Two women wearing solar eclipse glasses sit in beach chairs on a sandy beach with other sunbathers — Two women observe the total solar eclipse from the Arenal beach in Llucmajor, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Jaime REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse glowing beside a dark silhouetted Gothic clock tower spire — The Elizabeth Tower more commonly known as Big Ben is pictured during a near total solar eclipse, with more than 90% of the sun blocked by the moon across Britain, in central London on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Toby Shepheard/AFP via Getty Images)

Crescent shape of the sun visible during a partial solar eclipse against a black sky — The moon partially covers the sun during the solar eclipse as seen from the sidelines of the European Athletics Championships at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Paul ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Total solar eclipse showing dark moon silhouette with golden corona and red solar prominence flaring at the edge — The sun's corona glows as the moon completely blocks the sun during the totality phase of the total solar eclipse as seen from Lodoso, Burgos province, Spain, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Cesar MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

The sun is covered during a solar eclipse, surrounded by dark sky — The diamond ring effect is seen from the Cuna Verde viewpoint in Madrid, Spain, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

Solar eclipse showing bright ring of light around dark moon at twilight, with silhouetted onlookers and palm tree in foreground — The sun's corona glows as the moon completely blocks the sun during the totality phase of the total solar eclipse as seen from Arenal beach in Llucmajor, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, on Aug. 12, 2026.
(Jaime REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Woman in a straw hat holding solar eclipse viewing glasses up to her eyes outdoors. — A spectator watches the solar eclipse at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.
(AP Photo/Petr David Josek)

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