2026 Total Solar Eclipse
Summary: NASA presents live coverage of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse, tracing its path across the North Atlantic and Europe. Experts explain the science behind eclipses, emphasizing safe viewing practices. The event highlights NASA's research efforts, including observations from high-altitude aircraft and student-launched balloons, to study the Sun's corona and its impact on Earth's space weather.
NASA's live coverage of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse provides an in-depth look at this rare celestial phenomenon. The broadcast originates from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and follows the eclipse's path of totality across Greenland, Iceland, Northern Russia, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. Many areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Canada and the Northern US, will experience a partial eclipse. Experts, including Joy Ng, Ernie Wright, and Dr. Kelly Korreck, discuss the mechanics of solar eclipses, why they don't occur monthly, and the scientific importance of studying them. Safety reminders for viewing partial eclipses are emphasized, recommending certified eclipse glasses or indirect methods. The event showcases NASA's diverse research activities, such as observations from high-altitude WB-57 aircraft designed to chase the moon's shadow and student-led ballooning projects collecting atmospheric data. The program also delves into space weather, its origins on the Sun, and its impact on Earth's technology and human spaceflight. Viewers are invited to ask questions via social media, making the experience interactive and educational.
Playback guide
1. timestamp: 0:00 description: NASA 'Live Event Starts Soon' intro screen with space background and music. 2. timestamp: 0:59 description: Montage of solar eclipse imagery, sun flares, crowds viewing eclipse, balloon launch preparations, jet aircraft, pilots in cockpits, global maps showing eclipse path. Text 'A TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE' and details about the eclipse date and locations. This segment transitions into the studio. 3. timestamp: 1:45 description: Joy Ng (NASA Communications) introduces NASA's live coverage of the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She explains what a total solar eclipse is, its path, and mentions the partial eclipse in the Northern Hemisphere. 4. timestamp: 2:22 description: An overlay of the eclipse path map across the screen as Joy continues to explain the path and timing (early evening in mainland Europe/Africa for a sunset eclipse). 5. timestamp: 2:55 description: Split screen showing Joy Ng speaking and a live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway (timeanddate.com footage). Joy thanks partners. 6. timestamp: 3:15 description: Joy Ng continues, emphasizing the importance of studying celestial events and gives a safety reminder about using certified eclipse glasses (not regular sunglasses) and indirect viewing methods. She displays eclipse glasses and a solar viewer card. 7. timestamp: 3:55 description: Ernie Wright (Scientific Visualization Developer) explains the eclipse path on a large screen with animated maps. He points out the umbra and penumbra shadows, highlighting the path over Greenland, Iceland (Reykjavik), and Northern Spain. He mentions that over 15 million people will watch in Spain, some from Mallorca beaches at sunset. 8. timestamp: 4:54 description: Ernie zooms in on the map showing Iceland and Spain. He explains the umbra shadow's speed (2000 mph) and how West Africa will experience a partial eclipse. 9. timestamp: 5:30 description: Ernie zooms to the US map, explaining the southern limit of the partial eclipse. He shows that areas north and east of the yellow line will see a partial eclipse, and how long the partial eclipse will last in different locations. 10. timestamp: 6:42 description: A video segment titled 'How to Safely Watch a Total Solar Eclipse' is shown, illustrating the different phases of a solar eclipse and when to wear eclipse glasses. 11. timestamp: 8:14 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Kelly Korreck (NASA Heliophysicist). Dr. Korreck uses an orrery model to explain why eclipses don't happen every month (Moon's orbit is tilted). They also discuss why Europe doesn't get as many eclipses and the significance of the 2027 eclipse being the longest of the century. 12. timestamp: 10:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and a live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Korreck explains 'eclipse seasons' (solar eclipse followed by lunar eclipse ~2 weeks later). 13. timestamp: 10:45 description: Joy Ng asks why NASA continues to study solar eclipses. Dr. Korreck explains that every eclipse is different due to the Sun's 11-year cycle and Earth's path. 14. timestamp: 11:25 description: Joy Ng explains the countdown clocks for totality in Iceland and Spain, providing specific times and durations for the events. 15. timestamp: 12:01 description: Live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. 16. timestamp: 12:21 description: Eclipse path map overlay, showing the countdown to totality in Iceland. Joy reiterates the times for totality in Iceland and Spain and discusses the scientific experiments planned. 17. timestamp: 12:58 description: View from the WB-57 aircraft sensor feed (black screen with green text and crosshair), showing the data interface. This is what the pilots see while tracking the eclipse. 18. timestamp: 13:38 description: Video package: WB-57 aircraft flying above clouds, pilots (Tom Parent & Cary Klemm) discussing outrunning the moon's shadow to extend totality. They explain the need for precision and high-altitude flight to avoid atmospheric distortions. Various solar images taken from the aircraft are shown. 19. timestamp: 14:55 description: Split screen: Joy Ng, and Amir Caspi (WB-57 Science Principal Investigator) live from Keflavik Airport in Iceland. Amir explains his team is imaging the solar corona with a 4-camera instrument across various infrared wavelengths. He discusses the corona's extreme heat and magnetic fields, and how their observations will open new discoveries. 20. timestamp: 15:47 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Amir Caspi. Amir talks about previous eclipse flights in 2017 & 2024 and how they are applying lessons learned with an upgraded instrument this year. He explains that they can combine data from different years to make new scientific measurements. 21. timestamp: 16:35 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Amir Caspi, and live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Amir reiterates that the conditions are cloudy at Keflavik Airport but they are hoping for clear skies for the WB-57 aircraft. 22. timestamp: 17:10 description: Live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. 23. timestamp: 17:45 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Marie Henderson (Artemis II Lunar Science Deputy Lead). Dr. Henderson discusses the Artemis II mission and observing the eclipse from space. She explains how observing from space avoids atmospheric distortions. 24. timestamp: 18:25 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson, and a live feed of the partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Henderson notes the differences in viewing eclipses from space versus Earth, particularly the absence of atmospheric effects. 25. timestamp: 19:35 description: Split screen: Joy Ng, and the WB-57 aircraft sensor feed showing totality. Joy Ng recaps the various live feeds and experiments. 26. timestamp: 20:23 description: Video package: WB-57 pilots (Tom Parent & Cary Klemm) describe the experience of flying through an eclipse. Emphasizes the precision required to position the plane. Describes the darkness and temperature drop during totality. Shows various solar images taken from the aircraft. 27. timestamp: 21:28 description: Joy Ng and Dr. Kelly Korreck (NASA Heliophysicist) recap the WB-57 aircraft mission. Joy explains the two countdown clocks, showing time remaining until totality in Iceland and Spain. 28. timestamp: 22:50 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Kelsey Young (Artemis II Lunar Science Lead) via video from Iceland. Dr. Young talks about Iceland as an analog site for lunar exploration due to its geology. 29. timestamp: 24:00 description: Joy Ng introduces Angela Garcia (Artemis II Science Officer) via video from Iceland. Angela highlights the value of Iceland for geology training and working in an 'alien' environment. 30. timestamp: 25:35 description: Joy Ng introduces Trevor Graff (Artemis II Science Officer) via video from Iceland. Trevor emphasizes using Iceland for geology and navigation skills training for future lunar missions. 31. timestamp: 26:20 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Cindy Evans (Artemis Geology Training Lead) via video from Iceland. Dr. Evans talks about the geological relevance of Iceland for lunar training and preparing astronauts for the lunar surface. 32. timestamp: 27:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss why NASA continues to study solar eclipses. 33. timestamp: 28:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck continue. They reiterate the importance of eclipse safety and encourage viewers to visit science.nasa.gov/eclipses for more information. 34. timestamp: 28:50 description: Joy Ng and Dr. Marie Henderson (Artemis II Lunar Science Deputy Lead) discuss the Artemis II mission and observing the eclipse from space. Dr. Henderson notes the importance of clear atmospheric conditions and the long duration of the eclipse from space. 35. timestamp: 30:15 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Henderson explains how observing from space avoids atmospheric distortions and allows for studying the full extent of the corona and zodiacal light. 36. timestamp: 31:00 description: Joy Ng and Dr. Henderson discuss how the eclipse affects Earth's atmosphere, leading to atmospheric waves and temperature drops. Dr. Henderson explains that animals also react to the sudden change from day to night. 37. timestamp: 31:40 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Henderson explains the unique viewing experience in Iceland, where the eclipse occurs during continuous daylight (midnight sun), leading to a '360-degree sunset' effect. 38. timestamp: 32:20 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson recap the various live feeds and experiments, emphasizing the different perspectives from ground, air, and space. 39. timestamp: 32:50 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Henderson encourages viewers to ask questions using @NASA on social media platforms. 40. timestamp: 33:30 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Henderson provides general advice for anyone watching the eclipse, regardless of location. 41. timestamp: 34:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Henderson. Joy announces the next segment. 42. timestamp: 34:20 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. They continue to discuss the Artemis II mission and eclipse observations. 43. timestamp: 34:50 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss the historical significance of eclipses. 44. timestamp: 35:20 description: Joy Ng introduces Jarod Honberger (University of Idaho student) and Tessa Imbarlina (University of Kentucky student) live from Mosfellsbær, Iceland. They are part of the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. Jarod and Tessa describe their experience with the eclipse and the atmospheric measurements they are taking. 45. timestamp: 36:00 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Angela Des Jardins (Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project Principal Investigator) via video. Dr. Des Jardins explains the project and its two tracks: engineering (building payloads) and atmospheric science (studying the atmosphere's response to the eclipse). She highlights the unique opportunity to study the atmosphere during an eclipse due to the sudden, controlled change in sunlight. 46. timestamp: 37:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Des Jardins, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Des Jardins talks about the importance of simultaneous measurements at different altitudes. 47. timestamp: 37:50 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Kelly Korreck (NASA Heliophysicist) via video. Dr. Korreck explains how eclipses allow us to study the Sun's corona, which is usually obscured by the bright photosphere. She discusses specific research questions, such as the coronal heating problem and the origins of the solar wind. 48. timestamp: 38:30 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Korreck explains how the corona can only be studied during an eclipse or with specialized instruments called coronagraphs. 49. timestamp: 39:00 description: Joy Ng introduces Dr. Nicky Fox (Associate Administrator, NASA Science) via video. Dr. Fox emphasizes the historical significance of eclipses, mentioning how Einstein's theory of relativity was confirmed using an eclipse. 50. timestamp: 39:40 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Fox, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Fox explains the ongoing importance of studying the Sun to understand space weather and protect technology on Earth and in space. 51. timestamp: 40:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Fox. Dr. Fox highlights NASA's diverse fleet of spacecraft studying the Sun. 52. timestamp: 40:20 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Fox, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Fox encourages everyone to experience the eclipse safely. 53. timestamp: 40:40 description: Joy Ng thanks Dr. Fox. Joy Ng introduces Dr. Kelly Korreck for a deeper dive into the corona. 54. timestamp: 41:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Dr. Korreck provides detailed information about the Sun's corona. 55. timestamp: 41:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. They continue discussing the corona. 56. timestamp: 42:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. 57. timestamp: 42:30 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss the different layers of the Sun's atmosphere. 58. timestamp: 43:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng gives a shout-out to the students from the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. 59. timestamp: 43:30 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss solar wind. 60. timestamp: 44:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. They continue discussing solar wind and its importance. 61. timestamp: 44:30 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss how space weather affects Earth. 62. timestamp: 45:00 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng gives an update on the current time in Spain and Iceland. 63. timestamp: 45:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng asks Dr. Korreck what her favorite aspect of space weather is. 64. timestamp: 46:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss the different types of eclipses. 65. timestamp: 46:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng explains that the total solar eclipse gives scientists a unique opportunity to study the corona. 66. timestamp: 47:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss the differences between solar and lunar eclipses. 67. timestamp: 47:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng asks about safe viewing methods for different types of eclipses. 68. timestamp: 48:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss safe viewing practices. 69. timestamp: 48:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng thanks Dr. Korreck for her insights. 70. timestamp: 49:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Joy Ng reiterates safety reminders. 71. timestamp: 49:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng announces the next segment. 72. timestamp: 50:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss citizen science projects. 73. timestamp: 50:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng announces the next guest, Dr. Angela Des Jardins, to discuss the Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project. 74. timestamp: 51:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. Joy Ng discusses the importance of student involvement in NASA projects. 75. timestamp: 51:30 description: Joy Ng & Dr. Korreck. Joy Ng introduces the next video package. 76. timestamp: 52:00 description: Video package: The video explains the impact of space weather on daily life, from GPS systems to power grids. It highlights how NASA's Space Weather Program tracks solar storms and uses models to predict their paths and impacts. The program is crucial for protecting astronauts, critical infrastructure, and ensuring safe operations in space and on Earth. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of space weather research and the importance of continued monitoring and modeling to understand our Sun's dynamic behavior. 77. timestamp: 55:00 description: Joy Ng introduces NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and Dr. Nicky Fox (Associate Administrator, NASA Science). They discuss the Artemis II mission and the significance of total solar eclipses. 78. timestamp: 56:00 description: Split screen: Joy Ng & Dr. Fox & Jared Isaacman, and live feed of partial eclipse from Stavanger, Norway. They discuss the historical and scientific importance of eclipses, especially for confirming theories like Einstein's theory of relativity.