On August 12, 2026, a solar eclipse will pass across Europe. The path of totality will bypass Poland, but a very distinct partial eclipse will be observable in our country. In Lower Silesia, the Moon will cover a significant part of the solar disk.
The phenomenon will also be visible over Bolesławiec.
It is worth looking toward the western horizon
The eclipse will begin in the evening, at around 7:15 p.m. The most interesting phase in the Bolesławiec area will occur approximately after 8:00 p.m..
This means that the Sun will already be very low above the western horizon. Therefore, this time a balcony surrounded by apartment blocks or a spot between tall buildings may not be the best observation point.
It is worth finding a place where nothing obstructs the view to the west. An open plain, higher ground or a point high above the buildings could be a good choice. If someone has the opportunity to safely view the sky from a higher floor of a high-rise building with a western view, they may also have excellent conditions.
Of course, everything will also depend on the weather.
Across Poland, the partial eclipse will begin at around 7:10 p.m. In Wrocław, for example, it is expected to begin at 7:17 p.m., with the maximum at 8:09 p.m. In the capital of Lower Silesia, around 85 percent of the Sun’s disk will be covered.
Want to see the eclipse through professional equipment? A special event will be held nearby
You can also take a short trip across the border. The German Center for Astrophysics DZA is organizing a large astronomy event on August 12 in Weißwasser in Lusatia.
The town is located about 70 km from Bolesławiec as the crow flies. By car, the distance is approximately 80–90 km, depending on the route selected. Part of the journey can be made via the A4 motorway.
The event will take place at Turm am Schweren Berg—a 30-meter-high observation tower near Weißwasser.
A family festival dedicated to astronomy is planned there from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The German Center for Astrophysics will present, among other things, radio astronomy experiments and explain how the Sun can also be studied beyond the visible-light spectrum.
Visitors will also be able to observe the sky using appropriate astronomical equipment. The program includes interactive stations, attractions for families and children, and a concert.
Turm am Schweren Berg, Weißwasser
August 12, 4:00–9:30 p.m.
Admission free
The second event will take place in Schwarzkollm near Hoyerswerda. There, participants will also be able to use telescopes, take part in experiments and watch a broadcast on a large screen of the total eclipse visible that day in Spain.
Most important: do not look at the Sun without protection
The eclipse must not be observed with the naked eye or through ordinary sunglasses.
Special glasses designed for observing the Sun and meeting the ISO 12312-2 standard are required. Binoculars, telescopes and cameras require even greater caution—in their case, an appropriate solar filter mounted in front of the optical system is essential.
On August 12, it is therefore worth preparing solar-viewing glasses in advance, finding a place with a good view of the western horizon and—if the weather cooperates—looking up at the sky. Such spectacular eclipses do not occur over Poland often.