Here's the video I made in 2024 on watching a total solar eclipse, the most spectacular natural phenomenon you can see on the Earth. Below, I have some updates for what's different about the 2026 eclipse on Aug 12 in Spain and Iceland.

Of course, the main thing that's different is that it will be in Spain, it will fairly short, and it will be near sunset, so low on the horizon. Watch out for these notes:

• The full article is updated for 2026, go there if you haven't read that.
• Because it's near sunset, check on the eclipse map for the "altitude." Make sure your location has a reasonably clear horizon to the WNW. A sunset eclipse can be very spectacular, just like moonset and moonrise are spectacular. You'll see the eclipse with things behind it, not just high in the sky.
• There is a danger to being at sunset--clouds on the horizon could block it. Check your weather maps to get skies clear to the west. In some cases, you might get a layer of clouds and the eclipse happens below them.
• Ignore what is said about the big planets from 2024. Venus will be prominent, Jupiter and Mercury will be close to the sun but will have set by eclipse time.
• The sun will set not too long after the eclipse. That means you can't see the partial effects after the eclipse, but as it sinks in the haze, you can carefully glimpse the setting mostly eclipsed sun with your naked eyes, but be careful not to stare, it will be quite fascinating and you might stare in a way you never would normally.
• Spain is hot and dry, but the climate map says avoid the Atlantic coast and some sections of the east coast too in your plans. However, the week prior to the eclipse, look at the live forecasts, forget the climate map.
• It will be higher up and a bit longer in Iceland, but the cloud forecast is very poor, so Spain is better, unless it's very easy for you to get to Iceland. And of course, check the forecast a few days ahead for real weather.
• Good locations include NE of Madrid, but expect tons of traffic there. Because the Eclipse is at sunset you should be able to get into totality, but getting out before dark will be hard.
• The food will be better!
• As before, don't photograph it, have your computer do it if you are a pro. This eclipse will be very short, don't waste any of it watching through your viewfinder or screen. Though it is true for those who do, having it be near the horizon does offer a rare chance to take cool photos of the eclipse with other things, but the eclipse is as bright as a full moon, and the people and things will be lit by twilight. Exposure will be difficult.