Belgium's biggest solar eclipse since 1999 arrives 12 August: how do you watch it safely?
On the evening of Wednesday 12 August 2026, Belgium will see its deepest solar eclipse since 1999 — a partial eclipse covering roughly nine-tenths of the sun, low over the western horizon just before sunset.
In 30 seconds
- The eclipse falls on the evening of Wednesday 12 August 2026, with the partial phase over Belgium running from roughly 19:35 CEST to sunset near 21:00.
- It is a partial eclipse in Belgium — the Royal Observatory estimates around 90% of the Sun covered — as totality only crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.
- At maximum (~20:25) the Sun sits only about 8–10° above the western horizon, so an unobstructed west-northwest view is essential.
- Safe viewing needs CE-marked, ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or indirect pinhole projection; sunglasses and unfiltered optics are unsafe.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow. On 12 August 2026 the path of totality (where the Sun is fully hidden) crosses Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. Belgium lies north of that path, so it experiences a partial eclipse: the Royal Observatory of Belgium (Koninklijke Sterrenwacht van België / Observatoire royal de Belgique) in Uccle estimates roughly 90% of the solar disc will be covered, deepest on the west coast. It occurs low over the western horizon in the evening, from around 19:35 CEST to sunset (~21:00). Safe viewing requires ISO 12312-2 certified filters. Public observatories including Urania (Hove), MIRA (Grimbergen), Cozmix (Beisbroek) and the Planetarium Brussels typically host viewings.
Background
Belgium last saw a comparable event on 11 August 1999, when the path of totality ran just south of the border through northern France and the country experienced a near-total partial eclipse that darkened the midday sky. Shallower partial eclipses followed in March 2015 and June 2021, but neither approached the coverage of 1999 or of the coming 2026 event. Total solar eclipses are geometrically rare from any fixed location; astronomers commonly cite the 2080s as the next occasion when totality itself will touch Belgian soil.
What to do
Secure CE-marked ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses from a reputable seller in advance, or prepare a pinhole projector. Scout a spot with a clear west-northwest horizon — the coast or high open ground is ideal. Never use sunglasses, or point unfiltered binoculars, telescopes or cameras at the Sun. Consider joining a supervised observatory viewing if you lack certified filters.
Impact
Regional — The whole of Belgium is well placed, but the western coast — De Panne, Ostend, Knokke — enjoys both the deepest coverage and the open sea horizon this low-altitude eclipse demands, and is likely to draw the biggest crowds. Cities such as Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent can watch too, but residents will need a rooftop, quay or park with a clear west-northwest sightline rather than a built-up street.
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