Key Takeaways
- The partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12 2026 will be visible across much of the United States, with the most substantial coverage in Alaska and the northern tier of states.
- Europe, especially Spain, Portugal, and the British Isles, will experience the best views, though wildfire smoke may impair visibility in some areas.
- Peak viewing times in the eastern U.S. fall just before 2 p.m. ET, and NASA will stream the event live starting at 1:15 p.m. ET.
- Safety is essential: never look at a partial eclipse without certified solar filters, solar‑eclipse glasses, or a proper pinhole projector.
- A total eclipse will occur on Aug. 2 2027, crossing parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, offering a future opportunity for broader viewers.
Overview of Upcoming Partial Solar Eclipse
On August 12, 2026, a partial solar eclipse will take place, casting the Moon’s shadow across a broad swath of the globe. While the United States will only experience a “small bite” of the Sun, much of Europe and parts of Africa will enjoy more dramatic coverage. NASA notes that this eclipse is less spectacular than the total eclipse that crossed North America on April 8, 2024, but it still promises a noteworthy celestial event for sky‑watchers who plan ahead.
Geographic Scope and Visibility
The eclipse will be observable from Alaska down through the continental United States to North Carolina, providing a continuous path of partial visibility that stretches over 2,500 miles. States such as Alaska, Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania will see varying percentages of the Sun’s disk obscured. In contrast, Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and a sliver of Portugal will witness a total eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the solar disk for a short interval.
Timing in Alaska and Northern U.S.
In Alaska, the eclipse begins in the early morning, with Fairbanks experiencing a 37 % coverage at 7:37 a.m. local time, reaching maximum obscuration around 8:27 a.m., and ending near 9:18 a.m. Across the northern tier of the contiguous United States, observers can expect the event to unfold between midday and early afternoon. For example, residents of Bangor, Maine, will see the Moon begin to cover the Sun at 12:54 p.m. ET, peaking at 1:53 p.m. with 24 % coverage, and the partial phase concluding around 2:49 p.m.
East Coast Peak Viewing Times
The eastern seaboard experiences its highest coverage just before 2 p.m. ET. New York City will see about 9 % of the Sun obscured, starting at 1:07 p.m., peaking at 1:54 p.m., and ending near 2:38 p.m. Further south, Washington, D.C., will only register a 4 % coverage beginning at 1:17 p.m., with maximum eclipse at 1:53 p.m. and finishing at 2:27 p.m. These brief windows underscore the need for preparedness, as the eclipse’s peak moments are fleeting.
European Views and Environmental Factors
Much of Europe will catch at least a partial eclipse, with Spain and southern France poised for the most striking views. However, meteorologists caution that smoke from nearby wildfires could obscure the sky, especially in regions like Andalusia, potentially reducing visibility for observers hoping to witness the event directly.
Future Eclipse on August 2, 2027
Astronomy enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the next major solar event: a partial eclipse on August 2, 2027, whose path of totality will sweep across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. While the United States will see only a modest partial eclipse in Maine, the 2027 occurrence offers a broader canvas for those seeking total darkness.
Viewing Guide with NASA Schedule
NASA will broadcast the eclipse live beginning at 1:15 p.m. ET on its website, allowing global audiences to follow the action in real time. The agency also provides a curated schedule of start times, maximum coverage percentages, and end times for select U.S. cities, presented in a clear table that helps viewers align their local watch times with the eclipse’s progression.
Safety Recommendations for Partial Eclipse
Because a partial eclipse never fully eliminates the Sun’s bright photosphere, direct viewing without protection can cause permanent eye damage. NASA advises using certified solar eclipse glasses, handheld solar viewers, or constructing a pinhole projector—methods that filter out harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation while enabling safe observation of the Moon’s passage across the Sun.
Practical Tips for Observers
To make the most of the fleeting event, observers should select a location with an unobstructed horizon, check local weather forecasts, and have protective eyewear readily accessible. Arriving early ensures that viewers can set up equipment and settle into position before the eclipse begins. Additionally, smartphone apps and online calculators can help determine precise start and end times for specific coordinates.
Conclusion and Anticipated Experience
The August 12, 2026 partial solar eclipse offers a unique blend of geographic reach and scientific fascination, especially for those situated in the northern United States and across Europe. While the spectacle may be modest compared to a total eclipse, the combination of timely visibility, live broadcasting, and educational resources from NASA equips both casual onlookers and dedicated skywatchers to experience a memorable celestial phenomenon. By adhering to safety protocols and planning ahead, observers can fully appreciate the subtle yet awe‑inspiring dance of the Moon and Sun that will unfold on that summer afternoon.