Solar Eclipse Fun Facts

For centuries, solar eclipses have fascinated people around the world. Whether you’re an avid astronomy enthusiast or a casual observer, solar eclipses offer a rare opportunity to see the universe in action. And for those planning a trip to Iceland, you’re in luck—this beautiful island is one of the best places to experience the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. While enjoying the sights, consider heading to Perlan in Reykjavík, where you can combine eclipse viewing with Iceland’s natural beauty.

In this article, we’ll explore some fun and surprising facts about solar eclipses, from ancient myths to modern scientific discoveries.

1. Solar Eclipses Don’t Happen Every Month

Despite the moon orbiting the Earth about once a month, solar eclipses don’t occur every lunar cycle. This is because the moon’s orbit is tilted about 5 degrees relative to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. The moon usually passes above or below the sun during the new moon phase. A solar eclipse only happens when the moon’s orbit intersects the Earth’s orbital plane at just the right angle, causing the moon to block the sun’s light. See more what causes a solar eclipse.

2. Total Solar Eclipses Are Rare

While partial solar eclipses happen more frequently, total solar eclipses are rare from any given location on Earth and occur about every 18 months somewhere on Earth. The total eclipse on August 12, 2026, will be visible from Iceland, making it a fantastic destination for eclipse chasers. The path of totality—the narrow area where the total eclipse is visible—will cross large parts of the country, offering a stunning viewing experience. To safely view the event, it’s essential to use proper solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from harmful solar radiation.

3. The Moon’s Shadow Isn’t the Same Everywhere

During a solar eclipse, the moon casts two shadows on the Earth: the umbra and the penumbra. The umbra is the darker, inner shadow where the sun is completely blocked, and this is where the total eclipse occurs. The penumbra is the lighter outer shadow, where the sun is only partially obscured. If you’re in the path of the umbra, you’ll experience totality but see a partial eclipse outside this path. Not all eclipses are the same; there are different types of solar eclipses, including total, partial, and annular eclipses.

4. The Moon Is Slowly Moving Away from Earth

One of the more surprising facts about the moon is that it’s slowly drifting away from Earth at a rate of about 3.8 cm per year. As the moon moves farther from Earth, total solar eclipses will eventually become less frequent, and in about 600 million years, they’ll no longer be possible. Enjoy them while you can!

5. Ancient Civilisations Feared Eclipses

For thousands of years, ancient cultures around the world regarded solar eclipses with a mixture of awe and fear. Many believed that an eclipse was a sign of disaster or that it represented the anger of the gods. In ancient China, people thought a dragon was devouring the sun, and they would bang drums and make loud noises to scare it away. Similarly, in Norse mythology, the sun was believed to be eaten by a giant wolf during an eclipse.

6. Total Solar Eclipses Only Last a Few Minutes

The longest total solar eclipse can last just over 7 minutes, but most total eclipses are much shorter, usually lasting between 2 and 3 minutes. This brief period of darkness, called totality, is the most spectacular part of a solar eclipse when the sky turns dark and the sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible. Capturing the eclipse requires the right equipment and techniques—explore tips for solar eclipse photography to get stunning shots of the celestial event.

7. Eclipses Helped Prove Einstein’s Theory of Relativity

One of the most important scientific discoveries related to solar eclipses occurred during the 1919 total solar eclipse. British astronomer Sir Arthur Eddington led an expedition to observe the bending of starlight around the sun during the eclipse, a key prediction of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. The observations confirmed Einstein’s theory, revolutionising our understanding of gravity and the universe.

8. Iceland Is a Top Destination for Eclipse Viewing

The total solar eclipse in 2026 will be visible across the westernmost part of the country, making it an exciting destination for tourists and eclipse chasers. For the best views in Reykjavík, head to Perlan, a landmark perched on a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It’s the perfect spot to witness the celestial event while enjoying Iceland’s natural beauty.

9. Solar Eclipses Are Predictable

Thanks to their deep understanding of the Earth, moon, and sun’s orbits, astronomers can accurately predict solar eclipses. Using mathematical models and data from centuries of observations, scientists can pinpoint future eclipses’ exact date, time, and location. This allows people to plan trips to the best viewing locations well in advance—just like the upcoming total eclipse in Iceland.

Solar eclipses are rare and magical events that give us a unique glimpse into the dynamics of our solar system. Thanks to their deep understanding of the Earth, moon, and sun’s orbits, astronomers can accurately predict solar eclipses. For those planning to visit Iceland, the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

FAQs

What is unique about a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth. The unique aspect of a total solar eclipse is the brief moment of totality when the sky darkens, and the sun’s corona is visible.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light either partially or completely for a short period