Portugal's Rare Total Solar Eclipse and 2026's Stunning Moon Phases Revealed

A rare total solar eclipse will sweep across Portugal on August 12, 2026. The event will plunge parts of the country into darkness for a brief but dramatic 26 seconds. Meanwhile, skywatchers can also look forward to three Supermoons and 13 Full Moons throughout the year.

The eclipse will be fully visible only in the Montesinho Natural Park, located in the Bragança district of Trás-os-Montes. There, the moon will completely block the sun, turning day into night for less than half a minute. Outside this small region, the rest of Portugal will see only a partial eclipse.

Across Europe, the partial phase will be visible in Germany, where 85-90% of the sun will be obscured. Other areas include Greenland, Iceland, and large parts of Spain—such as Galicia, Castile and León, Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands. Northern and western Europe, Scandinavia (including Norway), and sections of the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic will also witness the phenomenon.

Earlier in the year, the first Full Moon—known as the 'Wolf Moon'—appeared on January 3rd. This moon also marked the first of three Supermoons in 2026. The remaining Supermoons will follow on November 24th and December 24th. In total, the year will feature 13 Full Moons, offering plenty of opportunities for stargazers.

The total solar eclipse on August 12 will be a fleeting but spectacular event for those in Montesinho Natural Park. Elsewhere, observers across Europe and beyond will experience a deep partial eclipse. With three Supermoons and 13 Full Moons, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for astronomers and casual skywatchers alike.