Solar Eclipse and Perseid Meteor Shower on August 12, 2026: When and Where to Watch in Poland

On August 12, 2026, residents of Poland and tourists across Europe will experience a rare astronomical alignment of a partial solar eclipse and the peak of the Perseids just before sunset.

Astronomical Alignment on August 12, 2026

On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, residents of Poland and tourists across Europe will face an exceptional accumulation of astronomical phenomena: a partial solar eclipse and the peak of Perseid activity. The spectacle will begin just before sunset and last into the late night hours, requiring no specialized equipment in the country except for certified solar filters.

Partial Solar Eclipse in Poland

The first part of the astronomical marathon will begin in the evening hours. In Poland, the solar disc will be obscured by the Moon in the vast majority of the territory.

In most regions of the country, particularly east of the Olsztyn–Łódź–Opole line, the maximum phase will occur after or during sunset, making it crucial to choose a location with an unobstructed western horizon.

Schedule for Selected Cities

According to data from the Polish Astronomical Society (PTA), the course of the phenomenon in individual urban centers is presented as follows:

City: Gdańsk | Start: 19:11 | Maximum Phase / Sunset: 20:05 | Maximum Phase: 85.5%

Szczecin | 19:14 | 20:08 | 86.7%

Poznań | 19:15 | 20:10 | 86.7%

Warszawa | 19:15 | 20:07 | 86.1%

Łódź | 19:16 | 20:08 | 86.6%

Wrocław | 19:17 | 20:12 | 87.4%

Kraków | 19:18 | 20:04 (moment of sunset) | 71.1%

Białystok | 19:13 | 20:01 (moment of sunset) | 79.2%

Note! A total solar eclipse visible from Polish territory will not occur until the year 2135.

Rules for Safe Solar Observation

Looking directly at the Sun without adequate protection poses a risk of permanent damage or loss of vision. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.

Traffic Disruptions and Total Eclipse Zone Hazards

While a partial eclipse will be visible in Poland, the path of the total eclipse will pass through Iceland and northeastern Spain, including Mallorca. This phenomenon generates serious logistical challenges for local services.

On Mallorca, an additional difficulty is the low position of the Sun above the horizon, which, combined with the terrain, will limit visibility. In mainland Spain, forest fires remain a risk factor, as smoke could locally obscure the view.

The Night of the Perseids

Immediately after sunset, the maximum of the Perseid meteor shower will begin, as debris burns up in Earth’s atmosphere following the breakup of the parent comet.