Solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, in Campania: times, duration, and how to see it.

On August 12, 2026, Campania will witness an unmissable astronomical event: a partial solar eclipse visible at sunset. It's been years since an eclipse was observed in Italy with the sun so low on the horizon, providing a breathtaking spectacle. Here's everything you need to know about the times, duration, coverage percentage, and how to observe it safely.

What is the solar eclipse of August 12, 2026?

This is a total solar eclipse that, on its global path, will cross Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, where it will be visible in its total phase. For Italy, including Campania, the event will be visible as a partial eclipse , with the Moon covering a portion of the solar disk.

A peculiarity of this eclipse for Naples and Campania: it will occur at sunset, with the Sun very low on the horizon in a west-northwest direction. This means that visibility will depend greatly on the presence of natural obstacles on the horizon, such as mountains, hills, or promontories.

Eclipse times in Naples and Campania

For the Naples and Campania areas, the eclipse times are very close together, with variations of a few minutes from location to location. Using the data for Caserta as a reference, here is the time frame:

• Visible eclipse begins: approximately 19:34
• Maximum coverage: 20:02 PM (at sunset)
• Total duration: about 29 minutes
• Maximum coverage: about 46% of the solar disk
• Sunset: 20:02 PM — The eclipse will not be over yet when the Sun disappears below the horizon.

For Naples and the coastal towns, the times are practically identical, with a maximum difference of 1-2 minutes. The Sun will set in a west-northwest direction , so to observe the eclipse, it will be essential to have a clear horizon in that direction.

Coverage percentage

In the Naples and Caserta areas, the Moon will cover almost half of the solar disk, with a maximum magnitude of around 46% . This is a good percentage for a partial eclipse, which will make the Moon's "bite" on the Sun clearly visible at sunset.

The further northwest you go (toward Lazio and Tuscany), the greater the coverage, until reaching complete coverage in Spain. For Campania, however, 46% coverage is more than enough for a satisfying show, provided you choose the right vantage point.

Where to see it in Naples: the best areas

Because the Sun will be low on the horizon, not all areas of Naples and its province will offer the same view. The eclipse visibility map clearly shows the areas with a clear horizon (in yellow/orange) and those where mountains, hills, or promontories could block the Sun (in purple/black).

We talked about it in detail in the article dedicated to the best and worst areas to see the eclipse in Naples , where you can find an interactive map and advice neighborhood by neighborhood.

How to safely observe the eclipse

Key point: never look directly at the sun , not even during an eclipse or if it's low on the horizon. The sun's rays are dangerous to the retina at any time.

Here's what you need to safely observe the eclipse:

• Certified eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 filter. Do not use ordinary sunglasses, X-ray films, or homemade filters.
• Solar filters for telescopes or binoculars If you want to enlarge the image, NEVER point unfiltered optical instruments at the Sun.
• Pinhole projection: with a hole in a piece of cardboard you can project the image of the Sun onto a white surface, a safe and economical method
• Smartphone filters: there are specific filters if you want to photograph the eclipse

Remember that the eclipse will last about half an hour, so you will have plenty of time to observe calmly.

What influences visibility in Campania

The peculiarity of this eclipse is the low Sun. In August, sunset in Naples occurs around 20:02 PM in a west-northwest direction. This means that:

• If you are in an area with free sea horizon towards the North-West, you will see the eclipse without any problems
• If you are behind hills, mountains or promontories in that direction, the Sun may already be covered before the eclipse even reaches its maximum

Some areas of Campania are particularly disadvantaged from this point of view. We analyzed the situation in an article dedicated to areas where the sun will be blocked by mountains and hills.

Practical advice

• Arrive at the observation post at least 30 minutes before (from 19:00)
• Check the forecast: clouds on the horizon would ruin everything
• Bring certified eclipse glasses and never look directly at the Sun
• Choose a point elevated or directly on the sea with an unobstructed view towards the West-Northwest
• Don't use smartphones without a filter to photograph the Sun: you risk damaging the sensor

FAQ

Q: Will the eclipse be visible from all over Naples?
A: Not from all locations. The sun will be very low, and a clear horizon to the west-northwest is needed. Hilly areas or areas surrounded by tall buildings may not see it.

Q: What time does the eclipse start in Naples?
A: The visible phase begins around 19:34 PM, with a maximum at 20:02 PM at sunset.

Q: How long will it last?
A: About 29 minutes, from first visible contact until sunset.

Q: How much sun will be covered?
A: In Naples about 46%, almost half of the solar disk.

Q: Can you look directly?
A: No, never. You need ISO 12312-2 certified glasses or indirect projection methods.

Q: What if it's cloudy?
A: Unfortunately, the eclipse won't be visible. It's a good idea to monitor the forecast in the days leading up to it.