A total solar eclipse took place on August 12, 2026, visible in portions of Portugal, Spain, Greenland, and Iceland.
In parts of Spain, the eclipse was total, completely obscuring the Sun, whereas it was only a partial eclipse in Germany.
The partial solar eclipse in Germany occurred low on the horizon. In Berlin and Brandenburg, the eclipse was visible starting at 19:15 local time, reaching a maximum coverage of 85% at 20:08, and concluding at 20:37. Optimal observation required a clear view toward the west-northwest horizon as the Sun set at 20:37.
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on the planet. During the event on August 12, Germany was located in the penumbral shadow, meaning only a portion of the Sun was covered.
Safety warnings for solar observation
The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) stated that eye protection is necessary even during high coverage of the Sun or during twilight. The BfS advised against using unsafe alternatives such as regular sunglasses, welding goggles, X-ray films, CDs, black film strips, soot-blackened glass, folded emergency blankets, or glacier glasses.
The BfS also warned that observing the Sun directly through telescopes, binoculars, or cameras without proper filters is extremely dangerous because these devices concentrate sunlight. The office recommended using only eclipse glasses meeting the European standard DIN EN ISO 12312-2:2015 with a CE marking, advising against those with scratched, holed, or torn filters.
Every shooting star is marveled at with loud Ahs and Ohs.
The Planetarium Berlin Foundation and experts warned that viewing a solar eclipse without proper ISO 12312-2 certified glasses can cause permanent eye damage.
Perseid meteor shower peak
The Perseid meteor shower reached its peak on the night of August 12 to 13, 2026. The timing coincided with a new moon, which improved visibility by eliminating moonlight interference.
The meteor shower is caused by the Earth passing through dust particles left by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle. These meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, and some can appear as fireballs with brightness equal to that of Venus.
The speed at which Perseid meteors enter the Earth's atmosphere.
The Perseids appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, which is located above the northeast horizon after dark. The constellation is named after a mythological hero from ancient Greek mythology.
When viewed from dark locations, the Perseid meteor shower can produce up to 100 meteors per hour at its peak. The shower can be observed in the nights before and after its peak, with activity gradually declining until August 24.
In Berlin, despite light pollution, some Perseid meteors were observed before 23:00 on the night of the peak.
Weather and environmental conditions
The German Weather Service (DWD) stated that during the partial solar eclipse, there would be only isolated clouds over Berlin and Brandenburg, with clouds expected to dissipate by evening. High-altitude cirrus clouds to the west were expected to potentially dim the light slightly without hindering visibility.
Regarding the meteor shower, the DWD reported that high-altitude cloud fields were present over northern Germany, which could cause localized visibility issues. The service warned that high-altitude cirrus clouds might move from west to east during the night and partially obscure some Perseid meteors, though the strongest ones would remain visible.
Temperatures during the evening of the solar eclipse were around 20 degrees Celsius. In Berlin, temperatures dropped to about 14 degrees at night, while rural Brandenburg areas such as the Baruther Urstromtal saw temperatures reach single digits, expected to be around 8 degrees.
Astronomical context
Dr. Megan Argo, an astrophysics lecturer at the University of Lancashire, explained that a total solar eclipse requires the Moon and Sun to be in exact alignment.
The last total solar eclipse visible from mainland Portugal is reported to have occurred in 1912. In Germany, the last total solar eclipse occurred on August 11, 1999, with the next one expected on September 3, 2081.
A partial lunar eclipse is expected to be visible over Germany on August 28, 2026.
