                        Astronomy Picture of the Day

    Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our
      fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation
                    written by a professional astronomer.

                               2026 August 13
      The Moon covers the Sun in the middle of the sky above an ornate
     church. A ring of bright whisps from the Sun's corona surrounds the
    Moon. In front of the church is a river that shows ripples across the
         eclipse's reflection. Some people are boating in the river.

                       Total Solar Eclipse Over Spain
                    Image Credit & Copyright: Ruiyu Zhang
         Text: Keighley Rockcliffe (NASA GSFC, UMBC CSST, CRESST II)

   Explanation: On August 12th, 2026, the Moon totally eclipsed the Sun
   and cast its shadow across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and
   Portugal. Today’s image features two total solar eclipses viewed from
   Zaragoza, Spain, one over the Cathedral-Basilica of Our Lady of the
   Pillar and the other reflecting in the Ebro River. For a few moments,
   Spain saw its first major total solar eclipse since 1905. Those
   witnessing totality may experience a chill in the air, the quieting of
   birds, the confused chirps of insects, and the shared awe of many. It’s
   the corona’s time to shine as the Sun’s bright disk is blocked by the
   Moon. Among other reasons to study eclipses, they help scientists
   understand why the corona is millions of degrees hotter than the Sun’s
   surface. Enthusiastic citizens can contribute to these studies by
   recording how wildlife responds, imaging the corona, and monitoring air
   temperature and clouds.

      More spectacular eclipse images: Solar Eclipse of 2026 August 12
                        Tomorrow's picture: a mystery
     __________________________________________________________________

       Authors & editors: Robert Nemiroff (MTU) & Jerry Bonnell (UMCP)
            NASA Official: Amber Straughn Specific rights apply.
                  NASA Web Privacy, Accessibility, Notices;
                      A service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC,
                           NASA Science Activation
                             & Michigan Tech. U.

