Solar eclipse watched in Europe, date in Türkiye announced

Millions of people peered into the sky on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, to watch the solar eclipse. The solar eclipse could be observed in most of Europe, including Germany, Spain, Iceland, Portugal and Austria. However, the solar eclipse, which was followed closely by the world, could not be seen in Türkiye.

The US Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that the next solar eclipse will occur earlier than expected. On August 2, 2027, the Moon will pass in front of the Sun once again and this time it will be visible from Türkiye.

NASA stated that the eclipse will be partially visible in Türkiye. The Moon will not completely cover the Sun.

According to timeanddate.com, the eclipse can be observed between approximately 11.20 and 14.13 Türkiye time.

How much of the Sun will be covered during a solar eclipse varies depending on the region. More than 70 percent of the Sun will be covered by the moon in Antalya, Izmir and Dalyan. In Ankara and Istanbul, this rate will remain slightly below 60 percent.

Those planning to watch the eclipse in Istanbul should also take possible cloud cover into account. The annual average cloud cover in Istanbul is significantly higher than Antalya (6 percent) or Izmir (3 percent), at 38 percent. Therefore, the probability of seeing the eclipse clearly will be higher in cities in the south and west.

Ordinary sunglasses are not enough to provide protection during a solar eclipse. Experts state that the Sun should not be observed directly with a camera, binoculars or telescope under any circumstances. Those without appropriate protective glasses can watch the eclipse using indirect methods.