On the evening of August 12, 2026, the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow on a narrow band crossing the Atlantic, Spain and the Balearic Islands. This is where the eclipse will be total - a few minutes of complete darkness, solar corona visible to the naked eye, a sudden temperature drop.
From mainland France, the event will be partial: the Moon will cover between 60% and 90% of the solar disc depending on latitude, with a maximum expected around 8:30 PM CEST. The South-West will be best positioned, with Biarritz and Toulouse having the highest magnitudes. Paris will see about 70% of the Sun covered, Strasbourg slightly less.
Caution: even at 90% obscuration, the residual light intensity remains dangerous. ISO 12312-2 certified glasses are essential throughout the event - unlike a total eclipse, there is no safe moment to observe without protection from France.