People across Malta were treated to an unusual sight on Wednesday evening as a partial solar eclipse appeared just before sunset.
The astronomical event took place on 12 August 2026, as the Moon passed between Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the solar disc as it approached the Maltese horizon. Timeanddate confirms that the eclipse was visible as a partial eclipse from Malta.
A striking photograph captured by Reuben Cutajar showed the effect against a deep orange sky, with part of the setting Sun appearing covered by the Moon.
A Rare Sight At Sunset
Malta was outside the path of totality, meaning the Sun was never completely covered from the islands. Instead, viewers here experienced a partial eclipse as the Sun approached the horizon.
Reuters also captured people watching the partial eclipse from Dingli, confirming that the phenomenon drew local spectators as sunset approached.
Elsewhere in Europe, the spectacle was even more dramatic. Parts of Iceland and Spain experienced totality, with the event marking Western Europe’s first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
Right Place, Right Time
With the eclipse happening so close to sunset, Malta’s view offered photographers a particularly striking combination: an already colourful August sunset with the Moon appearing to take a “bite” from the Sun.
Anyone viewing a solar eclipse should use proper solar viewing protection and never look directly at the Sun through ordinary sunglasses.
For those who managed to catch Wednesday’s brief display, it made for a rather different Maltese summer sunset.
Photo Credit: Reuben Cutajar via It-Temp Madwarna
