APOD: 2026 August 13 – Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain

Discover the cosmos!
Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer.

2026 August 13


The Moon covers the Sun in the middle of the sky above an ornate church. A ring of bright whisps from the Sun's corona surrounds the Moon. In front of the church is a river that shows ripples across the eclipse's reflection. Some people are boating in the river.

Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain
Image Credit & Copyright:
Ruiyu Zhang

Text:
Keighley Rockcliffe
(NASA
GSFC,
UMBC CSST,
CRESST II)

Explanation:
On August 12th, 2026, the Moon
totally eclipsed
the Sun and
cast its shadow
across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal.
Today’s image
features two
total solar eclipses
viewed from
Zaragoza, Spain,
one over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar and the other reflecting
in the Ebro River. For a few moments, Spain saw its first major total solar eclipse
since 1905. Those witnessing totality may experience a chill in the air, the
quieting of birds, the confused chirps of insects, and the shared awe of many. It’s
the corona’s
time to shine as the Sun’s bright disk is blocked by the Moon. Among other
reasons to study eclipses,
they help scientists understand why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s surface.
Enthusiastic citizens
can contribute to these studies by recording how wildlife responds, imaging the corona,
and monitoring air temperature and clouds.

More spectacular eclipse images: Solar Eclipse of 2026 August 12

Tomorrow’s picture: a mystery

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