A Rare Total Solar Eclipse Is Approaching
Millions across Europe are set to witness the Moon pass directly across the Sun. Vienna will experience a dramatic partial eclipse.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
The Moon will move directly between Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow across the planet.
Inside a narrow path stretching across parts of Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic, Spain and northern Russia, the Sun will be completely covered. Outside that path, including Vienna, the eclipse will be partial.
VIENNA: 85% OF THE SUN COVERED
The Sun will remain visible as a bright crescent. Vienna will not experience total darkness.
WHY IT'S SPECIAL
Total solar eclipses are rare because the Moon's orbit is tilted relative to Earth's orbit around the Sun. This time, the alignment is almost perfect.
Inside the path of totality, the Moon completely hides the Sun's bright surface, revealing the normally invisible solar corona.
LOOKING UP? BE CAREFUL.
Even during a deep partial eclipse, the remaining sunlight can seriously damage your eyes.
Ordinary sunglasses are NOT safe. Use certified solar eclipse glasses or another proper solar viewing filter.
AND THERE'S MORE...
The eclipse occurs during the Perseid meteor shower, one of the year's best-known meteor showers.
With the Moon at new moon, moonlight will not interfere with the night sky, potentially creating excellent conditions for meteor watching after the eclipse.
THE BOTTOM LINE
August 12, 2026 could become one of the most spectacular astronomical days of the year. A total eclipse will cross parts of Europe. Vienna will see approximately 85% solar coverage. And for a few hours, the Moon will turn the ordinary evening sky into an astronomical event.
WATCH THE SKY.
The countdown is on.