Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Stunning Photos and Videos of Surya Grahan From Iceland and Spain
On August 12, a total solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) crossed Iceland and northern Spain, turning day into night. It was the first total eclipse visible from mainland Spain since 1905 and Iceland since 1954. With a maximum duration of 2 minutes and 18 seconds, the rare 'sunset eclipse' captivated observers and generated widespread viral documentation across Europe.
A total solar eclipse swept across parts of Iceland and northern Spain on August 12, briefly turning day into night for observers in the path of totality. The Moon fully covered the Sun in the late afternoon over western Iceland and near sunset across northern Spain, marking the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Spain in more than a century and the first from Iceland since 1954.
The path of totality crossed Greenland, western Iceland, the North Atlantic, and then Spain from west to east. Partial phases were visible across much of Europe and other regions. Total Solar Eclipse 2026 Live Streaming: Watch Surya Grahan Today, August 12.
Total Solar Eclipse Reaches Iceland First
In Iceland, totality began in the Westfjords in the late afternoon local time and moved southeast across areas including the Snæfellsnes peninsula and parts of the Reykjavik region. Durations of totality ranged from under a minute in some locations to more than two minutes at the westernmost points. The Sun stood higher in the sky than it would later in Spain, allowing clearer views of the solar corona for those under clear skies. News outlets and observers reported the temporary darkness over Reykjavik and surrounding areas as the shadow passed.
Total Solar Eclipse 2026 From Just Outside the Rural Town of Duraton
SUCCESS! Total Solar Eclipse 2026 from just outside the rural town of Duraton, Spain. pic.twitter.com/8BUP7ZWZLB
— Ben Cooper (@LaunchPhoto) August 12, 2026
Total Solar Eclipse Video
El mejor video que nos deja el eclipse pic.twitter.com/olOJkK1NFh
— ceciarmy (@ceciarmy) August 12, 2026
This Was Legit a Celestial Experience, Says X User
this was legit a celestial experience omfg… first total eclipse ive ever witnessed pic.twitter.com/EgVbsv95Mb
— jan (@janitofm) August 12, 2026
Totality Arrives in Spain Near Sunset
In Spain, the eclipse reached totality in the evening, with the Sun low on the horizon. The path crossed northern regions including Galicia, Asturias, Castilla y León, and parts of Aragón and the Balearic Islands. Totality lasted under two minutes in most places and occurred shortly before sunset. Photographers and skywatchers quickly shared images and video from the event. Ben Cooper posted a photograph taken just outside the rural town of Duraton, Spain, showing the eclipsed Sun with the corona visible. Bray Falls shared video footage recorded in Spain minutes after totality, describing the scene as “absolutely insane".
Nahel Belgherze posted video from Castrojeriz in Burgos province labelled “TOTALITY". Another account shared a photo with the caption “It has been magic,” while additional videos circulated widely, including one described as among the strongest visual records of the eclipse and another from a first-time observer calling it a “celestial experience". Will Earth’s Gravity Disappear for 7 Seconds on August 12? NASA Says Viral Claim Is False.
Total Solar Eclipse Video from Spain
Absolutely insane solar eclipse, I took this video a couple minutes ago from Spain! pic.twitter.com/Iz9X2GCFtt
— Bray Falls (@astrofalls) August 12, 2026
TOTALITY, Says Netizen
TOTALITY.
Castrojeriz, Burgos, Spain minutes ago. pic.twitter.com/KOZBmwQKuw
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) August 12, 2026
It Has Been Magic, Says X User
It has been magic 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/xXvzR7lmrt
— φ (@QuanticASI) August 12, 2026
Widespread Interest and Context
The eclipse drew crowds to viewing sites in both countries. In Spain, the low position of the Sun during totality created distinctive images against the landscape and horizon. Social media posts from the evening continued to circulate the following day. This was the first major total solar eclipse to cross Europe since 1999. Maximum totality along the entire path reached about 2 minutes and 18 seconds over the North Atlantic near Iceland. Observers were reminded to use proper eye protection during the partial phases.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2026 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
