**Solar Eclipse 2026: Viewing Opportunities Across Russia and Europe**
A rare solar eclipse is set to occur on Wednesday, with the Moon poised to completely obscure the Sun in certain regions while partially covering it in others. This astronomical event will be livestreamed on RT, starting at 19:50 Moscow time (16:50 GMT), from the Lakhta Center in St. Petersburg, which is recognized as the tallest building in both Russia and Europe.
This solar eclipse marks the first total eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999. The path of totality, where observers will experience the Moon fully blocking the Sun, will traverse Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain. During totality, the sky will darken, allowing viewers to see the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona.
In Russia, St. Petersburg is expected to offer some of the best views of the eclipse. The Moon will begin its transit across the Sun at approximately 20:00 Moscow time, reaching its peak at around 20:50, when it will obscure about 80% of the solar disk. As the Sun sets shortly after, the eclipse will be visible low on the northwestern horizon.
Other Russian cities, including Murmansk, Arkhangelsk, and Kaliningrad, will also experience a significant partial eclipse. However, the visibility of the eclipse will diminish as one moves southeast. In Moscow, only a small fraction of the Sun will be covered just before sunset.
Across Europe, the eclipse will vary from total to deep partial coverage depending on the observer's location. The event will unfold during the late afternoon and evening, with the maximum eclipse occurring around 17:46 GMT. In the UK, a substantial portion of the Sun is expected to be obscured, leading Octopus Energy, the country's largest household energy supplier, to advise customers to conserve electricity during the peak evening hours.
Experts emphasize the importance of safety when viewing the eclipse. Observers are warned against looking at the Sun with the naked eye or through binoculars, telescopes, or other optical devices without appropriate protection, as even very dark sunglasses are insufficient to prevent retinal damage.
For safe viewing, individuals are encouraged to use certified eclipse glasses or solar filters. Alternatives include smoked glass, welding masks, or even old floppy disks or CDs. When using optical instruments, filters specifically designed for solar observation are essential. Additionally, smartphone cameras require protective measures, as direct exposure to the Sun can damage their sensors.
As anticipation builds for this celestial event, enthusiasts across Russia and Europe are preparing for a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of a solar eclipse.