Total solar eclipse 2026 (Official ESA broadcast)

The Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, a world-class astronomical observatory, hosted ESA's official live broadcast of the total solar eclipse on 12 August 2026. The path of totality swept across Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small area of northeastern Portugal, while much of Europe experienced a partial eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the face of the Sun.

The broadcast was hosted by Dame Dr Maggie Aderin, with ESA's Director of Science Carole Mundell and other guests. It included live telescope views of the eclipse, expert commentary and interviews, insights into solar science and space weather, behind-the-scenes coverage from the observatory, and discussions of ESA's activities linked to the eclipse.

The broadcast also looked ahead to upcoming eclipses visible in Europe in 2027 and 2028, with information on ESA's eclipse-related activities available to viewers.