Brussels Airlines is offering astronomy enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness a rare solar eclipse from above the clouds. On August 12, 2026, the airline is organizing a special evening flight in collaboration with Urania Public Observatory, the University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). This unique experience promises to be a breathtaking spectacle for both aviation and astronomy lovers alike.
The flight will depart from Brussels Airport and head towards France aboard an Airbus A320. During the journey, passengers will witness a partial solar eclipse with a maximum obscuration of 96%, meaning almost the entire surface of the sun will be covered by the moon. This level of obscuration is considered exceptionally high for an eclipse visible from Belgium, and it presents a rare opportunity for skywatchers.
What makes this event even more special is the limited seating. Only 100 seats are available, with aisle seats remaining empty to provide passengers with the best possible view through the windows. Travellers will also receive special eclipse glasses and be accompanied by experienced Urania guides throughout the flight, ensuring a safe and informative experience.
But this is not just a flight for enthusiasts. Researchers and students from the University of Antwerp and VUB will also utilize the flight to study the atmosphere's behavior during a deep partial solar eclipse. Led by Prof. Dr. Katrien Kolenberg and Prof. Dr. Valéry Ann Jacobs, the team will measure various effects, including changes in light intensity, sky darkness, temperature variations, and the blue-green twilight effect, which can appear during a deep eclipse.
The research aims to understand the influence of the approximately 11 kilometers of atmosphere between the aircraft and the Earth's surface. By comparing measurements taken on the flight with those taken simultaneously on the ground in Spain, scientists hope to gain valuable insights into atmospheric behavior during such events.
Participants will also have the opportunity to attend a preparation evening at Urania's observatory in Hove on August 8, 2026. During this session, experts will explain the eclipse's development, present the flight program, and organize a planetarium show. The €299 ticket includes the information evening, the two-hour eclipse flight towards Nantes, eclipse glasses, and onboard guidance from Urania specialists.
For those who prefer to stay on the ground, Brussels Airlines has highlighted several destinations in Spain, as well as selected cities in France and Portugal, that lie close to the eclipse's path. These locations offer excellent viewing conditions, with obscuration levels ranging from 97% to 100%, making them some of the best places in Europe to witness the event.
Among the destinations, Bilbao, Valencia, and Palma de Mallorca are expected to experience 100% obscuration, while Madrid will reach 99.98%. Barcelona is forecast to see 99.85% obscuration, and Alicante 99.19%. Toulouse in France and Porto in Portugal will also offer excellent viewing conditions, with obscuration levels of 97.87% and 98.26%, respectively.
The eclipse on August 12, 2026, is expected to attract visitors from across Europe, with Spain among the most popular destinations for those hoping to enjoy clear skies. Whether viewed from a dedicated eclipse flight or from the ground, it promises to be one of the continent's most remarkable astronomical events in recent years.
In my opinion, this event highlights the beauty of nature and the importance of scientific exploration. It's a reminder that the universe is full of wonders, and we should always strive to learn more about it. As an expert commentator, I find this opportunity fascinating and believe it will be a memorable experience for all involved.
