On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur. While the full spectacle will only be visible from Greenland, Iceland, or Spain, the eclipse will appear as a partial one in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada.
A total solar eclipse visible from part of Europe
After first touching Earth in northern Russia, the Moon’s shadow will sweep west to east across the Arctic Ocean and Greenland. It will then cross Iceland from north to south and reach northern Spain.
The shadow cone will end its journey over the Mediterranean, between the Balearic Islands and Sardinia. At its widest, the path of totality will span about 319 kilometres.
The duration of totality will vary by location, from about 1 minute 32 seconds in parts of northern Russia to just over 1 minute 45 seconds in some parts of Spain. The eclipse will reach its maximum duration, about 2 minutes 18 seconds, off Iceland’s west coast near Ólafsvík.
A partial solar eclipse in Quebec and across Canada
In Quebec and across Canada, a partial solar eclipse will be visible. The exact timing, duration, and maximum obscuration (the greatest portion of the Sun hidden by the Moon) will depend on the location of the observer.
In Quebec, the eclipse will take place shortly after noon. Maximum obscuration will vary by region: in the southernmost parts of the province, less than 25% of the Sun will be covered at the peak of the eclipse, while in the far north, in places such as Kuujjuaq, it will rise to just over 50%. In Montréal, the maximum will be about 18.3%; in Québec City, about 24.0%; and in Sherbrooke, about 20.4%.
In Montréal, the eclipse will begin at 12:50:32 p.m., reach its maximum at 1:45:41 p.m., and end at 2:38:59 p.m. At maximum eclipse, about 18.3% of the Sun will be obscured.
Because obscuration will be relatively low in Montréal, the Planétarium will not be organizing a public gathering as it did in 2024. However, telescopes equipped with special filters will be available for anyone wishing to observe the event.
However, to mark the Perseid meteor shower, the Planétarium will host two free observing evenings on August 12 and 13. Because the solar eclipse coincides with the new moon, the night of August 12 to 13 promises to be especially spectacular for viewing the shower.
Please note that the Planétarium will not be distributing eclipse glasses. We encourage you to reuse your 2024 glasses.
The table of Local circumstances for the partial and total eclipse of August 12, 2026 provides the exact times when the eclipse will be visible in several cities in Quebec, across Canada, and elsewhere in the world.
Follow our recommendations for observing the Sun safely during the partial phases of the eclipse. Appropriate solar filters are essential to protect your eyes, whether you are viewing with the naked eye or through a telescope.