Selfoss
Selfoss comes tantalisingly close but sits just outside the path of totality. On August 12, 2026, the Moon covers 99.8% of the Sun at maximum around 5:49 PM GMT, with the Sun a comfortable 24° above the horizon — but that final sliver of Sun means this is a partial eclipse, not a total one.
When it happens in Selfoss
| Partial begins | 4:47 PM GMT |
| Maximum (99.8% covered) | 5:49 PM GMT |
| Partial ends | 6:47 PM GMT |
All times local (GMT); the Sun is 24° above the horizon at maximum.
What you'll see
At 99.8% coverage the sky will dim dramatically, the light will turn strange and flat, and the Sun will be reduced to an impossibly thin crescent — but the corona will stay hidden and true darkness will not fall. It is a breathtaking sight, yet not the same experience as totality; for the full black Sun and corona you would need to travel a little further into the path of totality crossing Iceland to the north.
Where to watch from
At 24° above the horizon the Sun clears most obstacles comfortably, so any open spot in Selfoss with a broad view toward the west-north-west will do — a park, a field, or the riverbank all work well.
Protect your eyes
Because the Sun is never fully covered from Selfoss, it is never safe to look with the naked eye — not even at 99.8% maximum. Keep certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses on from the first bite around 4:47 PM right through until the partial phase ends around 6:47 PM. There is no moment here when unprotected viewing is safe.
Common questions
Will Selfoss see totality?
No. Selfoss sees a 99.8% partial eclipse — extraordinarily deep, but not total. The path of totality passes to the north across Iceland. Even that tiny uncovered sliver of Sun makes glasses mandatory the entire time.
What time is the eclipse in Selfoss?
The Moon takes its first bite out of the Sun around 4:47 PM GMT, maximum coverage of 99.8% is at 5:49 PM GMT, and the eclipse is fully over by about 6:47 PM GMT.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Selfoss?
Yes, for the entire eclipse from start to finish. Since the Sun is never fully covered from Selfoss, there is no safe naked-eye moment at any point — certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses must stay on the whole time.