What happens
During a total solar eclipse the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun and completely covers the solar disc — but only along the narrow path of totality. There it briefly becomes twilight, the corona becomes visible, and bright stars and planets can appear. Outside that path the eclipse is partial: the Moon covers only part of the Sun.
ESA livestream and programme
The European Space Agency (ESA) will broadcast the solar eclipse live on 12 August from 19:30 to 20:45 CEST. The programme targets a broad audience and combines live footage, expert explanations and illustrated graphics. On site in León (Spain) the ESA is also running accompanying events in the morning (10:00–14:00 CEST) and in the evening (17:30–21:45 CEST). In addition, the ESA provides videos, graphics, lesson plans and other information resources.
Why the livestream is worthwhile
Not all viewers will be inside the path of totality. The livestream makes the peak of the eclipse accessible worldwide and explains phenomena that are hard to see from a single location. Animated visualisations show the track and timing of the Moon’s shadow; expert commentary places the corona, solar activity and atmospheric effects in context.
View from space and research
Satellites complement ground observations: they can show the moving lunar shadow across land and clouds, record short-term changes in temperature and radiation in the atmosphere, and enable comparisons with ground measurements. Such data help to understand rapid meteorological responses and to test radiative-balance models. The ESA links relevant materials to the broadcast.
Safe viewing
– Use the official livestream if you are not in the path of totality or if the weather is uncertain. – Never look at the Sun without protection. Unprotected viewing can cause permanent retinal damage. – Use only verified solar filters or certified eclipse glasses conforming to ISO 12312-2; damaged or scratched glasses are unsafe. – Indirect viewing is safe with a pinhole projector: a small hole projects the Sun’s image onto a bright surface. – Only during the brief, complete totality — and only within the path of totality — is it safe to look at the Sun without a filter. As soon as even a thin sliver of the solar disc reappears, filters must be used again immediately.
Timing, location and weather
Exact times for the partial and total phases vary by location. Follow local timings; the ESA broadcast is given in CEST. Clouds can obstruct the view — in that case the livestream is a reliable alternative.
What the stream provides
The programme combines live and archive footage, scientific explanations and interviews. Graphics show the track of the Moon’s shadow and explain why totality is visible only in a narrow strip. Educational materials for classrooms cover physical basics, measurement methods and simple experiments.
Why the event matters
Total eclipses are rare opportunities for research and science communication. Observations of the corona contribute to understanding the solar wind and structures in the Sun’s atmosphere. For the general public, livestreams, satellite data and educational offerings make complex connections tangible.
Practical tips
– Note the broadcast time (19:30–20:45 CEST) and allow time buffers. – For on-site observation: use certified protective eyewear, a stable surface and — if using optical devices — only solar-rated filters. – Use the ESA’s accompanying materials to prepare, such as explanatory videos and graphics.