Dozens of people with eye pain in hospitals

2026-08-13

Mark your calendar for August 12, 2026. Germany won’t get totality, but it will get the next best thing — a deep partial solar eclipse with up to 90% of the sun covered.

Globally, this is a total solar eclipse. The path of totality runs over Spain, Iceland and Greenland. In Germany it will be visible as a partial eclipse in the evening hours. 0b04

*When and where in Germany* The show starts around 19:10 and runs until about 20:45 local time. Exact times shift a bit by city: 0b04

- *Berlin*: 19:15 to 20:38, max 87.4% at 20:08 - *Hannover*: 19:16 to 20:52, max 88.4% at 20:09 - *Köln*: 19:18 to 20:58, max 90.1% at 20:12 - *Münster*: 19:16 to 20:59, max 89.3% at 20:10 - *Filderstadt*: 19:22 to 20:43, max 90.8% at 20:15 cb19a68c580ba4b4fb35

That means between 85% and 90% of the sun’s diameter will be covered at maximum. Astronomers call it "almost total" — visually dramatic, but not dark enough for stars to come out. 0b04

One catch: the sun will be low on the western horizon. You’ll need a clear, unobstructed view to the west. The eclipse also ends around 21:05, but in most of Germany the sun will have already set before then. 0b04

*Safety first* Because there is no totality in Germany, certified eclipse glasses are essential the entire time. Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. 0b04

*Why it matters* The next time Germany sees coverage this deep will be September 3, 2081, during a total eclipse crossing the southwest. So 2026 is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for most people. 0b04

Observatories like the House of Astronomy in Heidelberg are planning public talks and viewing tips around the event, because eclipses are easy to watch and a great way to bring astronomy to a wide audience. 0b04

If the weather cooperates, find a spot with a free western horizon, grab eclipse glasses, and watch the moon take a huge bite out of the evening sun.