The total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026

Student investigation: the eclipse of August 12, 2026

Ages 11 to 16. Duration: exhibition 10 to 15 minutes; classroom 45 minutes; self-guided about 20 minutes.

Name:

Date:

Open the simulator at:

https://luna.watermelonson.com/?preset=solar-eclipse-2026&utm_source=learn&utm_medium=teach&utm_campaign=solar-eclipse-2026&utm_content=student

Part 1: Predict

The Moon is 3,474 km wide. On August 12, 2026 it will block the Sun and cast a shadow on Earth. Circle your prediction for the width of the darkest part of that shadow:

( ) much wider than the Moon
( ) about as wide as the Moon
( ) much narrower than the Moon

In one sentence: why do you think so?

Part 2: Watch the shadow

Start the simulator and watch the shadow cross Earth. Describe the two parts of the shadow you can see, and estimate how wide the dark core is compared to Spain.

Part 3: Compare three places

Use the location explorer to fill in the table.

Location	Total or partial?	How much of the Sun is covered?	Time of maximum (UTC)	Sun height at maximum
Reykjavik
Madrid
London

Part 4: Stand in the shadow

Use View from here at Reykjavik, then at Madrid. Write down one thing you saw in the Reykjavik sky that never happened in Madrid.

Part 5: Explain

Your friend in Madrid says: "99 percent is basically the whole eclipse. Why would anyone travel to Zaragoza?" Do you agree? Give your claim, your evidence from the table and the sky views, and your reasoning.

Before you watch the real thing

Only look at the Sun through proper eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2) or watch its projected image from a pinhole projector. Ordinary sunglasses do not protect you. Never point a camera, telescope, or binoculars at the Sun without a solar filter on the front. You may look without protection only during the short total phase, when the Sun's bright face is fully covered, and only if you are inside the totality strip. The moment light returns, look away or put the glasses back on.