Sunday, July 12, 2026

Rare Sunset Solar Eclipse Expected This Summer

On August 12, 2026, a rare event will occur in eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, known as a sunset eclipse. This total solar eclipse will take place just 20 minutes before sunset at 8:31 p.m. CEST, with the Moon completely blocking the Sun for 1 minute and 36 seconds.

From Mallorca’s northwest coast, observers will experience a dramatic twilight as the landscape darkens, producing an unusual visual effect where the Sun’s corona appears orange against the horizon. Approximately 18 minutes after totality, the eclipsed Sun will dip into the Mediterranean Sea.

This eclipse will attract many eclipse enthusiasts, as it provides a unique perspective. Once totality ends, spectators are advised to look behind them. Dr. Tyler Nordgren notes that they might see the Moon’s shadow lifting off the Earth.

The eclipse will create an unusual twilight, contrasting with a normal sunset. As the Moon’s shadow approaches, the light will fade more rapidly than during a typical sunset, enhancing the strangeness of the experience.

On August 12, twilight will also be affected. The Sun will set at 8:50 p.m., but the eclipse will continue until 9:22 p.m. As a result, the afterglow usually seen after sunset will be significantly reduced.

This total solar eclipse will be especially exciting due to its visibility from a popular holiday destination, making it accessible to many observers. If the view is blocked, there will be another chance to see a total eclipse on November 25, 2030.

Test Your Understanding

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Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

eclipse/ɪˈklɪps/noun
when one object blocks another from view

totality/təˈtælɪti/noun
time when the Sun is completely hidden

corona/kəˈroʊnə/noun
the bright outer part of the Sun

twilight/ˈtwaɪˌlaɪt/noun
the soft light before sunset or after sunrise

afterglow/ˈæftərˌɡloʊ/noun
the light left in the sky after sunset

visibility/ˌvɪzəˈbɪləti/noun
how well something can be seen

How much do you know?

What date will the sunset eclipse occur?
August 12, 2025
August 12, 2026
August 12, 2027
August 12, 2028
What time is sunset on the day of the eclipse?
8:31 p.m. CEST
8:50 p.m. CEST
9:22 p.m. CEST
7:45 p.m. CEST
How long will the total solar eclipse last?
1 minute and 36 seconds
2 minutes and 5 seconds
30 seconds
5 minutes and 10 seconds
What unique visual effect will occur during the eclipse?
The Sun will appear blue
The Moon will appear larger
The Sun's corona will appear orange
The sky will turn green
When will the eclipsed Sun dip into the Mediterranean Sea?
Immediately after totality
18 minutes after totality
During totality
1 hour before sunset
What event will occur after totality ends during the eclipse?
The Sun will disappear completely
The Moon's shadow will lift off the Earth
Twilight will last indefinitely
The night will begin
The eclipse will last for 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
The sunset during the eclipse will occur at 8:31 p.m. CEST.
The eclipse will reduce the brightness of the afterglow seen after sunset.
The total solar eclipse can be seen from a remote area of Spain.
Eclipse enthusiasts will be attracted to this unique event.
There will be another chance to see a total eclipse on November 25, 2030.
The total solar eclipse will take place just 20 minutes before sunset at 8:31 p.m. CEST, with the Moon completely blocking the Sun for
Approximately 18 minutes after totality, the eclipsed Sun will dip into the
On August 12, twilight will also be affected, and the Sun will set at
As the Moon's shadow approaches, the light will fade more rapidly than during a
The eclipse will create an unusual , contrasting with a normal sunset.
If the view is blocked, observers will have another chance to see a total eclipse on
This question is required

Test Your Understanding

Start Quiz
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
eclipse/ɪˈklɪps/noun
when one object blocks another from view
totality/təˈtælɪti/noun
time when the Sun is completely hidden
corona/kəˈroʊnə/noun
the bright outer part of the Sun
twilight/ˈtwaɪˌlaɪt/noun
the soft light before sunset or after sunrise
afterglow/ˈæftərˌɡloʊ/noun
the light left in the sky after sunset
visibility/ˌvɪzəˈbɪləti/noun
how well something can be seen

How much do you know?

What date will the sunset eclipse occur?
August 12, 2025
August 12, 2026
August 12, 2027
August 12, 2028
What time is sunset on the day of the eclipse?
8:31 p.m. CEST
8:50 p.m. CEST
9:22 p.m. CEST
7:45 p.m. CEST
How long will the total solar eclipse last?
1 minute and 36 seconds
2 minutes and 5 seconds
30 seconds
5 minutes and 10 seconds
What unique visual effect will occur during the eclipse?
The Sun will appear blue
The Moon will appear larger
The Sun's corona will appear orange
The sky will turn green
When will the eclipsed Sun dip into the Mediterranean Sea?
Immediately after totality
18 minutes after totality
During totality
1 hour before sunset
What event will occur after totality ends during the eclipse?
The Sun will disappear completely
The Moon's shadow will lift off the Earth
Twilight will last indefinitely
The night will begin
The eclipse will last for 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
The sunset during the eclipse will occur at 8:31 p.m. CEST.
The eclipse will reduce the brightness of the afterglow seen after sunset.
The total solar eclipse can be seen from a remote area of Spain.
Eclipse enthusiasts will be attracted to this unique event.
There will be another chance to see a total eclipse on November 25, 2030.
The total solar eclipse will take place just 20 minutes before sunset at 8:31 p.m. CEST, with the Moon completely blocking the Sun for
Approximately 18 minutes after totality, the eclipsed Sun will dip into the
On August 12, twilight will also be affected, and the Sun will set at
As the Moon's shadow approaches, the light will fade more rapidly than during a
The eclipse will create an unusual , contrasting with a normal sunset.
If the view is blocked, observers will have another chance to see a total eclipse on
This question is required

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