The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) reported that a total solar eclipse It will travel through Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and Portugal on August 12, 2026.
Meanwhile, parts of the northern hemisphere will have a partial solar eclipse, including places in United States, most of Canada, much of Europe and northeast Africa.
Astronomy fans and scientists await the second solar eclipse of 2026when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. Those who are within the path of the satellite’s shadow will be able to observe the spectacle.
NASA explains that a solar eclipse occurs when The Sun, Moon and Earth align partially or completelywhich offers a unique view of the celestial bodies, as a shadow is projected on the planet.
It also highlights that this astronomical phenomenon is infrequent because the Moon does not orbit in the same plane as the Earth and the Sun.
Only during the total solar eclipse Brief removal of protective glasses is allowedspecifically when the Moon completely blocks the Sun. This usually lasts less than two minutes.
partial solar eclipse
For observers within the Moon’s shadow, but outside the path of totality, this will never completely block the sun and the eclipse will be partial.
NASA warns that in this case It is never safe to look directly at the Sun. without adequate eye protection.
In the north of Russia the solar eclipse will begin from the beginning of August 12. In Alaska and northern Canada, will start and end in the morning. In eastern Canada it will be observed in the afternoon.
In the northern United States, the partial eclipse will start around noon and will last until mid-afternoon.
The eclipse will also reach the United Kingdom, Ireland, continental Europe and Africa in the afternoon.
In the United States and southern Canada a small “bite” of the Sun will be seen, since the Moon will barely touch it.
NASA reiterates that Common sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe to observe the Sun. Safe solar viewers must comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2.
Also recommends do not look at the Sun through the lens of a camera, a telescopebinoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses.
He adds that, to observe the Sun safely, a special sunscreen must be placed on the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens or other device.
Cities in the United States where the eclipse will be seen
Below are the cities where you can see the partial solar eclipse in the United States:
| City | Beginning of the partial eclipse | Beginning of totality | Eclipse percentage | End of partial eclipse |
| Bangor, Maine | 12.54 hours | 1:53 p.m. | 24% | 2:49 p.m. |
| Boston, Massachusetts | 1:01 p.m. | 1:55 p.m. | 16% | 2:46 p.m. |
| Detroit, Michigan | 1:03 p.m. | 1:36 p.m. | 3% | 2:08 p.m. |
| New York, New York | 1:07 p.m. | 1:54 p.m. | 9% | 2:38 p.m. |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | 1:11 p.m. | 1:53 p.m. | 7% | 2:35 p.m. |
| Portland, Maine | 12.57 hours | 1:53 p.m. | 19% | 2:27 p.m. |
| Washington D.C. | 1:17 p.m. | 1:53 p.m. | 19% | 2:27 p.m. |