It is closing in - and perhaps the last of the three solar eclipses in our lifetime over Europe, for those who are mature adults. Well, the mileage may vary dependent on how long we live. There is after all two annual ones over Stockholm, 2039 and 2048 - the latter goring right over the city as a ring-formed solar eclipse.
Nevertheless, the greatest total ones, are closing on; on 12 August 2026, we have Reykjavik, Iceland and then down to Northern Spain, crossing the country and ending up on the Island of Mallorca at sunset. Must be cool to experience and totally eclipsed sunset...
Next year we have another one, touching the southern Tip of Spain. And somewhere around the next 2 years, another one 2027, but annual (ring-formed), also touching the southern tip of Spain.
That's it.
All within 2 years
2 total, 1 annual ring formed - all within 2 years, touching Europe.
12 Aug 2026
The upcoming total eclipse is visible as a partial eclipse over Stockholm if the weather allows, due to the large coverage of the moon over the sun.
I think somewhere around 85% of the sun will be eclipsed at the most. I am off that day, because I took vacation well in time. Actually I could have flown for 1-2 days to Mallorca, as the tickets there (2 month ago, were only around 240 €). But I was not in the mood for adventures to a to me totally foreign place.
Light clouds are great
In my personal opinion, a partial solar eclipse is photographically most beautiful if there are some light clouds present. It raises the dramatic feeling considerably. Taking images of the solar disk itself, is a bit... well, kind of boring (in general). I love to show the surroundings together with clouds. Well, if depends on the clouds of course.
Ash Gray light !!
Another issue is, that the sinking light levels, even with a partial eclipse are difficult to comprehend. Even 30 seconds before a total eclipse, to the naked eye EVERYTHING looks normal - but the light levels are so "sickly" low, that you go into a conflict between what you eyes see, and your sense pick up.
Also, minutes before totality, the colors get much more washed out - almost gray-ish. (while everything in nature looks normal). So, it is really, REALLY strange feeling minutes before a total eclipse.
Normally, when you are at a beach, the reflection of light is so intense, that you barely can look around without getting blinded. Minutes before a total eclipse at a beach however, while everything looks normal (I know i have said it 3 times) - but you are not blinded looking at the beach, into the sand - and it feels like you have a gray layer in front of your eyes.
It is so incredible weird to experience (if you are the sensitive, observing kind) Others might not pick it up at all - I don't know. I have not spoken with other people about it back in Lara, Antalya.
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