SOLAR ECLIPSE 2026 · August 12
See local eclipse times for the Total Solar Eclipse from León, create a personal share card, and prepare for this once-in-a-decade celestial event.
Times calculated using NASA/JPL ephemeris data (DE421). Actual times may vary by up to ±1 minute depending on atmospheric conditions and observer position within the city.
Solar Viewing Safety Warning
Looking at the Sun without certified solar filters causes permanent, irreversible eye damage — including blindness — within seconds. Telescope Advisor does not manufacture, inspect, or certify any solar viewing product. Before using any solar filter, eclipse glasses, or solar binoculars: read and follow the product manufacturer's instructions completely, verify the ISO 12312-2 certification mark on the product itself, and inspect for scratches, pinholes, or damage before every use. Discard any filter that is damaged. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute safety advice or a product safety guarantee. Choosetoshop LLC accepts no liability for eye injury arising from the use or misuse of any solar viewing product.
On August 12, 2026, León will experience a Total Solar Eclipse with up to 100% of the Sun covered by the Moon at its peak. All times below are shown in León's local timezone.
Totality: – (0 min 0 sec)
Partial begins: 7:22 PM
Maximum eclipse: 8:30 PM
Partial ends: 9:22 PM
Sun altitude: 9.5° — find a clear WEST horizon
🔭 Launch the interactive eclipse tool → for a full animated timeline, share card, and personal certificate.
León is one of the few locations in Europe where the total solar eclipse will be visible. For approximately 0 minutes and 0 seconds, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, revealing the solar corona — the Sun's outer atmosphere — visible to the naked eye. The sky will darken dramatically, temperature will drop, and animals may behave as if night has fallen.
Totality begins at local time. Set up your viewing location at least 30 minutes earlier to ensure everything is ready. Find a spot with a clear view of the western horizon — the eclipsed Sun will be at only 9.5° above the horizon, so any buildings, trees, or hills to the west could block your view.
⚠️ Never look directly at the Sun without certified solar filters — even during a partial eclipse. Inside the path of totality, it is safe to view with the naked eye only during the brief total phase (0 minutes and 0 seconds) when the Moon completely covers the Sun. Before and after totality, you must wear ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or use a solar filter on your telescope or binoculars.
For binoculars and telescopes, a proper solar filter must be attached to the front aperture — never use eyepiece filters or eclipse glasses in front of the lens, as concentrated sunlight will shatter them. See our eclipse glasses guide for certified recommendations.
The equipment you need depends on how you want to experience the eclipse. Here's a quick guide based on your interest level:
| Activity | Recommended Equipment | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Casual viewing | ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses | $1–$5 |
| Binocular viewing | Solar binoculars with built-in filters | $40–$120 |
| Telescope viewing | Full-aperture solar filter + telescope | $20–$80 (filter only) |
| Solar photography | Solar filter + DSLR/mirrorless + tripod | $50–$200 (filter + adapter) |
The Total Solar Eclipse in León begins at 7:22 PM and ends at 9:22 PM local time. Maximum eclipse occurs at 8:30 PM local time. Totality — when the Sun is completely covered — lasts from to (0 minutes and 0 seconds).
Only during the brief total phase (0 minutes and 0 seconds) can you safely view the eclipse without protection. Before and after totality, you must wear ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses.
The Moon will cover approximately 100% of the Sun's diameter as seen from León, with the remaining area briefly completely covered during totality.
Look for a location with a clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon. Since the Sun will be only 9.5° above the horizon during the eclipse, tall buildings, trees, or hills to the west could block your view. Parks, elevated viewpoints, and open areas away from city lights are ideal. Check your location in advance and arrive early.
The total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 is the most significant astronomical event visible from Europe this decade. It is the first total solar eclipse whose path of totality touches mainland Europe since August 11, 1999 — 27 years ago. The Moon's shadow crosses Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with maximum totality lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds near the Faroe Islands. Learn more about the 2026 eclipse →
For most of Europe — including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, the Benelux countries, Scandinavia, and Central Europe — a deep partial eclipse will be visible, with the Sun's crescent ranging from 50% to 95% covered depending on your location. León will see 100% coverage at maximum.
Eclipse predictions are provided by Fred Espenak, NASA's GSFC. Times have been computed using NASA/JPL ephemeris data (DE421) and are accurate to within ±1 minute. Use the interactive tool → to find local times and create a personal share card.
Interactive Eclipse Tool
Find local eclipse times and create a share card.
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