Premise
On April 8, 2024, I had the privilege of witnessing the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse from Syracuse, NY. Although conditions were not ideal due to heavy cloud cover in the area, I was nevertheless able to make out the disc-shaped outline of the sun, moments before everything around me went almost completely dark.
This celestial event was not only a breathtaking experience but also a deeply personal reminder of how geography and astronomy intertwine to create moments of wonder. As a GIS Technician with a passion for maps and storytelling, I felt inspired to channel this experience into a post that combines my love for cartography and the celestial.
Creating the 2026 Eclipse Path Map
Part of what made the 2024 total solar eclipse such a once-in-a-lifetime event was that large portions of it were visible from the United States. The next such eclipse visible from the contiguous United States won’t happen until August 2044 – more than 20 years later! You may not know this, but there is an upcoming solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. For this eclipse, Iceland and Spain will be the two countries in the path of totality, although much of Europe will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Although there are maps you can refer to should you be interested in trying to see this eclipse for yourself, I decided to craft a map showcasing its path of totality of my own as a chance to showcase my GIS skills & passion.
The Process:
- Data Collection: I sourced eclipse path data from astronomical organizations such as the NSO (National Solar Observatory)
- Spatial Analysis: Using QGIS, I analyzed the path of totality to identify cities and natural areas that will experience the eclipse’s full duration. One example of a city that lies just inside the path of totality is Reykjavik, Iceland.
- Map Design: I employed QGIS’ line width tools to expand two different digitized line data sets, one indicating the path of totality and the other representing an area where at least a 75% partial eclipse will still be visible.
Solar eclipses are extraordinary events that remind us of the universe’s intricate choreography. As someone fascinated by both natural phenomena and geographic storytelling, mapping the 2026 eclipse felt like a natural “Just for Fun” post on Terra Curiosity.
Reflections and Next Steps
Witnessing the 2024 eclipse was more than just a visual spectacle; it was a source of inspiration that reaffirmed my commitment to GIS as a tool for education and exploration. By creating the 2026 eclipse path map, I hope to inspire others to embrace these rare moments of cosmic alignment and perhaps spark their own interest in geography and astronomy.
As I look ahead, I’m eager to continue combining my GIS skills with my personal interests to tell compelling stories. Whether it’s tracking celestial events, mapping wildfires, or exploring natural resources, I believe GIS has the power to illuminate the world in profound and unexpected ways.