Although it will be partial in Croatia, astrophysicist Vernesa Smolčić says it should not be missed, with Rijeka residents having the most luck with nearly 80 percent of the Sun obscured.
On Tuesday, August 12, 2026, the sky will host one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year, a total solar eclipse. Although the total phase of this celestial spectacle will only be visible from the western part of the European continent, Croatian citizens will have the opportunity to observe its partial form, just before sunset. Astrophysicist Vernesa Smolčić emphasizes that this is an event not to be missed, especially since the same evening will also feature the peak of the Perseid meteor shower.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, in its new moon phase, aligns exactly between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow onto our planet's surface. Vernesa Smolčić explains that this phenomenon does not happen every month because the Moon's orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to the Earth's path around the Sun. As a result, the Moon's shadow only occasionally falls on Earth.
The rarity of this event at a specific location is best illustrated by the fact that a total solar eclipse at the same spot occurs on average once every 366 years. However, there are significant variations, some places may experience two within a decade, while others wait up to 1000 years. Interestingly, over the past 5000 years, there has been a slightly higher frequency of eclipses in the northern hemisphere, linked to long-term changes in the geometry of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.
The total phase of the eclipse, when the Moon completely covers the Sun's disk, is extremely brief, lasting only a few minutes. The longest recorded duration so far was about seven minutes.
For observing the eclipse in Croatia, an unobstructed view toward the west-northwest horizon will be crucial, as everything will unfold at sunset when the Sun will be very low above the horizon. The obscuration of the Sun's disk will vary depending on location, the most Sun will be covered in the western parts of the country.
According to data, the highest percentage of obscuration is expected in Rijeka, where the Moon will cover nearly 80 percent of the Sun's disk. In Zagreb and Karlovac, the obscuration will be around 70 percent, while in Zadar it will be about 60 percent. A slightly less spectacular view awaits residents of Osijek with 46 percent and Dubrovnik, where the obscuration will be just under 30 percent.
Astrophysicist Smolčić stresses the importance of safety when observing and gives concrete recommendations. "I would recommend choosing a location and method of observation in advance, or considering joining a publicly organized viewing," she stated for Tportal. She particularly warned that one should never look at the Sun with the naked eye and that certified eclipse glasses or other appropriate protection are necessary.
Beyond the Sun's appearance, Smolčić advises paying attention to changes in ambient light and the atmosphere of the landscape during this celestial event. If the weather doesn't cooperate, it's a perfect excuse to plan a trip to one of the future total eclipses, which the astrophysicist claims is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Although space telescopes and coronagraphs now monitor the Sun almost continuously, a total eclipse still provides unique scientific conditions. During those few minutes, it is possible to observe the faintest parts of the Sun's corona and conduct measurements of the impact of the sudden disappearance of solar radiation on Earth's atmosphere. Historically, the eclipse of 1919 was crucial in confirming Einstein's general theory of relativity, in the now-famous Eddington experiment.
For those who are unsure whether it's worth traveling for a total eclipse, Smolčić has a clear answer. "It would definitely be a moment when the eclipse is truly total, meaning when the Moon's disk covers 100 percent of the Sun's disk, because then twilight briefly falls in the middle of the day, the Sun's corona appears in the sky, and the entire atmosphere becomes almost surreal," describes the astrophysicist, adding that it's a sight that no photograph can fully capture.
She also recalled her own experiences with eclipses, highlighting the one from 1999, which she observed from the sea and which particularly captivated her, and the partial eclipse of 2022, which she managed to briefly see through the clouds.
