Solar eclipse to sweep across Europe on 26 January 2028

A solar eclipse occurred on 26 January 2028. It was visible across parts of Europe, including Germany, and over regions of South America such as Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Spain, and Portugal. The eclipse was annular, meaning the Moon passed in front of the Sun but did not fully cover it, creating a ring-like appearance. At its maximum point, located approximately 300 km west of Macapá, Brazil, the annular phase lasted 10 minutes and 27 seconds. This event was described as the most spectacular solar eclipse visible in Europe in 20 years. Three solar eclipses are expected to be visible over Spain between 2026 and 2028, though the exact timing and visibility details remain subject to confirmation. The eclipse’s path crossed both land and ocean, including the Pacific and Atlantic, with visibility dependent on geographic location. In Spain, the eclipse was expected to occur in the afternoon, though other visibility windows — including evening, night, and early morning — were also noted, albeit with lower confidence. Observers in Germany and other European regions would experience a partial eclipse, while those in specific South American locations would witness the full annular effect. The event formed part of a broader sequence of solar eclipses occurring between 2026 and 2028, drawing increased attention from astronomers and the public. This eclipse matters now because it offers a rare combination of geographic reach and duration, particularly for regions like Spain and Germany where long-duration annular eclipses are infrequent. With maximum annularity concentrated over remote areas of Brazil but visible in modified form across Europe, it presents a significant observational opportunity. Public and scientific communities are likely to plan observations, and the event underscores growing interest in eclipse forecasting and public engagement with celestial phenomena. Safety guidelines and viewing infrastructure will be essential as anticipation builds.

Eclipse path and visibility

The eclipse will be visible in Germany and across much of Europe on 26 January 2028. Its path extends from the Pacific through Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Spain and Portugal before reaching Europe. The point of maximum eclipse lies roughly 300 km west of Macapá, Brazil, where annularity will endure for 10 minutes and 27 seconds. Visibility over Europe will occur in the afternoon, though exact local times remain unspecified. The event is described as the most spectacular solar eclipse visible in Europe in 20 years, drawing attention for its duration and coverage. Three solar eclipses are expected over Spain between 2026 and 2028, though details on timing and public engagement are pending. The eclipse’s trajectory underscores a rare convergence of geographic reach and celestial mechanics. According to reports from zeit.de and de.euronews.com, the phenomenon will be observable under clear sky conditions in parts of southern Europe.

Geographic reach

The eclipse will be visible over Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Spain and Portugal, with observers in these regions experiencing the annular phase during the afternoon of 26 January 2028. The path stretches across the Pacific and Atlantic, reaching its maximum point approximately 300 km west of Macapá, Brazil, where annularity lasts 10 minutes and 27 seconds. This event marks the most spectacular solar eclipse visible in Europe in two decades, drawing attention from both the public and scientific communities. Visibility over Europe will extend into the afternoon, offering a rare celestial display across the continent. The eclipse is part of a series of three solar eclipses expected over Spain between 2026 and 2028, according to reports. Its geographic reach underscores the growing frequency of solar events in the region, with observers across multiple continents set to witness distinct phases on the same day.

1. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in the afternoon

2. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in the evening

3. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in the night

4. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in the early morning

5. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in the morning

6. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible over Europe

7. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible in Germany

8. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse visible over Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, Spain and Portugal

9. 2028-01-26

   Eclipse is annular

10. 2028-01-26

    Maximum point approximately 300 km west of Macapá, Brazil

11. 2028-01-26

    Duration of annularity at maximum point is 10 minutes and 27 seconds

12. 2028-01-26

    Eclipse visible in Spain

Frequency of eclipses in Spain

Three solar eclipses are expected to be visible over Spain between 2026 and 2028, making the 2028 event part of a series of rare celestial occurrences. The upcoming eclipse on 26 January 2028 will be annular and visible across parts of Spain during the afternoon, according to reports from zeit.de and de.euronews.com. This follows a partial solar eclipse observed in Spain on 12 August 2026, which was the first of its kind in the country in over a decade. The 2028 eclipse will be the third such event within three years, underscoring a period of heightened solar activity and precise orbital alignment. Visibility patterns across Spain will vary by region, with southern areas experiencing longer phases of annularity. The phenomenon has drawn attention from astronomers and the public alike, with observatories in Madrid and the Canary Islands planning viewing initiatives. According to multiple sources, the 2028 eclipse will be the most striking in Europe in 20 years, with its path crossing both Iberia and South America.

Scientific and public interest

Astronomers in Germany and Spain are preparing to observe the solar eclipse of 26 January 2028, with plans for public viewing events and scientific measurements underway. The eclipse, described as the most spectacular in Europe in 20 years, will be visible across Germany and is expected to draw significant public and professional interest. Researchers aim to use the event for solar physics studies, including coronal observations and atmospheric data collection. In Spain, where the eclipse will also be visible, similar initiatives are being organized to engage the public and support coordinated scientific observations. The event coincides with an annular eclipse over parts of South America, but its European visibility marks a rare opportunity for study. According to reports from zeit.de and de.euronews.com, preparations include mobile observation teams, educational outreach, and equipment readiness. The eclipse’s path over Europe in the afternoon of 26 January 2028 offers a prolonged window for observation, with the maximum point located 300 km west of Macapá, Brazil, where annularity will last 10 minutes and 27 seconds. This rare alignment has prompted coordinated efforts across both countries to maximize scientific and public engagement.

Safety and observation

Experts advise the use of proper solar filters and protective equipment to safely view the eclipse, particularly during the annular phase. Eclipse glasses certified to ISO 12312‑2 standards must be worn at all times, as ordinary sunglasses do not block sufficient radiation. Telescopic observers should attach solar filters to their instruments before pointing at the Sun, and never look through unfiltered optics. In Germany, astronomy clubs are organizing public viewing events in parks and observatories, offering filtered binoculars and expert guidance. Scientists stress that even brief exposure can cause permanent retinal damage, so vigilance with protective measures is essential throughout the event.

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