The event is already surrounded by great anticipation among astronomy enthusiasts. On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a particularly spectacular solar eclipse will be visible throughout Haute-Savoie. Even though the phenomenon will not be total in the department, more than 90% of the solar disk will be covered by the Moon, offering a unique atmosphere at the very end of the day.
One of the most impressive eclipses of recent decades
On the upcoming August 12, the Moon will position itself between the Earth and the Sun. The shadow cone will notably cross Iceland and northern Spain, where the eclipse will be total. In France, the spectacle will be visible as a partial eclipse, but of exceptional magnitude.
In Haute-Savoie, the Sun will be covered by more than 90%, a rarely observed level. In Annecy, for example, the magnitude of the eclipse will reach approximately 93.9%, while in Thonon-les-Bains it will exceed 91%.
When to look up?
The phenomenon will take place in the evening, just before sunset. The timings will vary slightly depending on your observation location, but the following benchmarks can be noted:
- eclipse start: around 7:25 PM;
- maximum: around 8:20 PM;
- end of the phenomenon: shortly before 8:50 to 9:00 PM depending on the area.
The Sun being very low on the horizon at maximum, it will be preferable to choose a clear viewpoint facing west.
The best places to observe the eclipse in Haute-Savoie
The relief of Haute-Savoie offers many viewpoints perfect for enjoying the spectacle. Among the sites that could offer excellent visibility:
- the Glières plateau;
- the Semnoz;
- the Salève;
- the Solaison plateau;
- the Aravis alpine pastures;
- the heights of Chablais or the Bornes massif;
- The Mole summit.
The ideal is to favor a location offering a perfectly clear western horizon in order to avoid the mountains blocking the Sun before the eclipse ends.
Special glasses are essential
Even if a very large part of the Sun will be hidden, you must never look directly at the eclipse without appropriate protection.
The glasses must be certified ISO 12312-2. Regular sunglasses, homemade filters, X-rays, or smoked glasses do not protect eyes at all and can cause irreversible retinal damage.
Cameras, binoculars, or telescopes also require specific solar filters.
An astonishing atmosphere to experience
When more than 90% of the Sun disappears behind the Moon, the atmosphere changes significantly. The brightness decreases rapidly, contrasts become unusual, and temperatures may slightly drop. Some birds even stop singing, thinking that night is approaching.
Without reaching the darkness of a total eclipse, the people of Haute-Savoie should still experience a particularly spectacular moment.
An event not to be missed
The last total eclipse visible in Europe dates back to 1999. The one on August 12, 2026 will therefore be a major event for all sky enthusiasts, even if totality will not concern Haute-Savoie. The summer conditions and the evening timing should allow many residents and vacationers to easily witness this rare astronomical phenomenon.
Practical information
- Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- Start: around 7:25 PM
- Maximum: around 8:20 PM
- End: between 8:50 and 9:00 PM depending on the observation location
- Protection: glasses certified ISO 12312-2 mandatory
- Advice: choose a vantage point at altitude with a clear western horizon.
