What actually happens during a total solar eclipse?
Totality lasts only a few minutes, but a lot is happening before, during and after.
From first contact and the dramatic diamond ring effect to the appearance of the sun’s corona, each stage offers something unique.
Read more: What to expect at each stage of the total solar eclipse 2026.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Have you sorted your eclipse glasses yet?
If you’ll be looking at any part of the partial eclipse, you’ll need proper eye protection. Never look directly at the sun without certified eye protection.
Don’t have eclipse glasses? You can still safely enjoy the eclipse using simple projection methods with everyday household objects.
Check out our how to view the sun safely and what to look for guide for more solar viewing inspiration.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Do clouds ruin a total solar eclipse?
One of the biggest worries before any eclipse is weather.
While a perfectly blue sky is ideal, you don’t necessarily need one to enjoy the experience. Even under thin clouds, many of the most dramatic effects of totality can still be visible.
Read more: Here’s why cloud cover doesn’t always mean an eclipse is ruined.
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Where will the eclipse be visible?
Not everyone will experience totality on Aug. 12.
Some places will see the moon completely cover the sun, while others will experience a partial solar eclipse and for some… no eclipse at all. Womp womp.
Wondering what you’ll see from your location? Find out where the eclipse will be visible
Also worth downloading before the big day: The best apps for following the eclipse
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.
Last call for eclipse glasses!
If you’re planning on viewing the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse then you’ll need to get hold of a pair of quality eclipse glasses. Be sure to get a pair from a reputable dealer that conforms to the all important ISO 123-12 – 2 certification and never use an old pair if they appear scratched or damaged in any way!
Anthony Wood
Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he’s joining the citizen science project DEB (Distributed Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He’ll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.
One week until the total solar eclipse 2026: The countdown has begun… are you ready?
In just one week, millions of people across Greenland, Iceland and Spain will witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles as the moon completely covers the sun.
Our team will be following the eclipse from two incredible locations, aboard an expedition ship in East Greenland with HX Expeditions and from northern Spain with the DEB initiative, bringing you live updates throughout the lead-up to the eclipse and on the day itself
Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.