2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator
Replay the August 12 total eclipse in interactive 3D from any location, with local times, obscuration, the path of totality and viewing guidance.
About
2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator is an interactive 3D tool for replaying the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse from any location. Choose any city or click any point on Earth to see local contact times, obscuration, totality duration, Sun altitude, and the horizon. The tool covers the path of totality across Siberia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, including prepared locations such as Burgos (1 minute 44 seconds of totality) and Palma de Mallorca (1 minute 36 seconds).
What is 2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator
2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator is a web-based, first-person 3D tool that reconstructs the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse for any selected point on Earth. Instead of showing only a flat map of the Moon's shadow, the simulator rebuilds the Sun, Moon, and local horizon, then replays the event with local contact times, obscuration, totality duration, and Sun altitude. It covers the full path of totality from Siberia through the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, ending at sunset over the Balearic Sea. Prepared viewing locations include Scoresby Sund (2 minutes 17 seconds of totality), Reykjavík (1 minute 1 second), Burgos (1 minute 44 seconds), and Palma de Mallorca (1 minute 36 seconds).
Key features
- Any-location replay: search a city or drop a pin anywhere on the globe, including places outside totality, to see partial eclipse circumstances.
- Local circumstances: first contact, maximum eclipse, totality or partial coverage, Sun altitude above the horizon, and the local skyline.
- Interactive 3D timeline: pause, scrub, speed up, share, or export the first-person sky simulation.
- Prepared viewing locations: built-in spots use published local contact times; custom map points are estimated on-device from Besselian elements.
- Path of totality detail: the simulation shows Saros 126 (48 of 72), greatest eclipse at 17:45:54 UTC, magnitude 1.0386, path width 294 km, and longest totality 2 minutes 18 seconds.
- Phase guidance: an optional explanation can describe what is happening at each stage from first contact to the end of the event.
How to use it
- Open the simulator in a web browser on make3dmap.com.
- Search for a city or place a pin on the map to choose your observing location.
- Review the displayed local eclipse circumstances, including contact times and obscuration.
- Play the timeline to watch the sky change in 3D, scrubbing to specific phases or altering speed.
- Use the share or export options to save or send the simulated view.
Who it is for
This eclipse viewer is aimed at astronomy enthusiasts, educators, students, and anyone planning to observe the August 12, 2026 event. It is especially useful for people in northern Spain, Iceland, Greenland, or other parts of the partial eclipse zone who want a preview of what the sky will look like from their exact spot. Travelers deciding between cities like Burgos, Gijón, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, Zaragoza, and Palma can compare totality durations and Sun altitude.
What to know before you use it
2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator is a teaching and preview tool, not a replacement for an observatory ephemeris, weather forecast, or local horizon survey. The visual model of the corona, atmospheric brightness, and scenery is illustrative and does not predict cloud cover or terrain blockage. Prepared location times are based on published sources, but custom map points are on-device estimates. For safe viewing, always follow official eclipse eye safety guidelines and consult a professional astronomical source for precise timings when planning a trip. Overall, 2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator is a practical way to explore the eclipse geometry before committing to a viewing location.
FAQ
Is 2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator free to use?
The pricing is not stated in the source material. The app appears to be a web tool on the Make 3D Map site, but no price, subscription, or paid tier is confirmed.
What locations can I preview with the 2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator?
You can preview any city or point on Earth by searching a place or dropping a pin. The simulator includes prepared spots for Scoresby Sund, Reykjavík, Burgos, and Palma de Mallorca, and it also handles partial eclipse views outside the path of totality.
Can I use it on my phone or tablet?
It should work in a web browser, but mobile support is not explicitly documented. The source only confirms that it is a browser-based simulator.
How accurate are the eclipse contact times?
Prepared viewing locations use published local contact times, while custom map points are estimated on your device using NASA Besselian elements for the August 12, 2026 eclipse. It is not an observatory ephemeris, so confirm critical timings with an official source.
What does the simulator show for my location?
It shows local eclipse circumstances such as first contact, maximum eclipse, totality or partial coverage, Sun altitude, and the local horizon. You can search a city or place a pin anywhere on Earth.
Does the simulator show exactly what the sky will look like?
It illustrates the geometry of the Sun, Moon, and local horizon, but corona brightness and scenery are visual approximations. It does not model clouds, terrain blockage, or weather, so use a local horizon survey and forecast for real site assessment.
Does it cover the August 12, 2026 eclipse only?
Yes, it is built specifically for the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse. The source also notes that the February 17, 2026 eclipse is annular, making August 12 the year's only total eclipse.
Which cities in Spain are inside the path of totality?
The simulator's path of totality covers A Coruña, Gijón, Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, Burgos, Zaragoza, and Palma; Madrid and Barcelona lie just outside it and experience a partial eclipse.
Is this an official astronomy source for final observing times?
No, it is a simulation and planning tool rather than an official ephemeris. Use an observatory, NASA-based source, or other official reference when you need final timing confirmation.
Is the 2026 Solar Eclipse Simulator free?
The source material does not state pricing. The tool is accessible as a web app, but check the official site for any access terms or limitations.