TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Skywatchers around the world will soon have the chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular events: a total solar eclipse.
The celestial event will occur on August 12, 2026, but only people in a limited part of the world will be able to experience the moment when the Moon completely blocks the Sun.
According to NASA, the eclipse's path of totality will pass through Greenland, Iceland, parts of northern Russia, Spain, Portugal, and the Atlantic Ocean. Observers within this narrow path will see the Sun disappear behind the Moon for a brief period, creating a dramatic daytime darkness.
For those outside the path of totality, the eclipse will still be visible as a partial solar eclipse. Parts of North America, including several US states from Alaska to the East Coast, as well as regions across Canada, Europe, and northwestern Africa, will see only part of the Sun covered.
When Will the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Happen?
The total solar eclipse is expected to take place on August 12, 2026, at around 11:34 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), according to Time and Date.
A total solar eclipse is relatively rare. On average, it occurs somewhere on Earth approximately once every 18 months, although the exact location varies each time. The last total solar eclipse visible from Earth occurred on April 8, 2024, crossing parts of North America.
Can the U.S. See the August 2026 Total Solar Eclipse?
No. Although the August 12, 2026 event is officially classified as a total solar eclipse, the United States will not be within the eclipse's path of totality.
Instead, observers in parts of the U.S. will only experience a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun. The eclipse is expected to make the Sun appear as if a "bite" has been taken out of it, with visibility varying by location.
The path of totality, where the Moon completely blocks the Sun and briefly turns day into twilight, will pass through Greenland, Iceland, parts of Spain and Portugal, northern Russia, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Which US Areas Can See the Partial Eclipse?
Although the US will not experience totality during the August 2026 eclipse, several states will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse.
The states expected to see the event include:
Alaska
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Iowa
Indiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
The eclipse will appear different depending on the location, with some areas seeing a larger portion of the Sun covered than others.
Perseid Meteor Shower to Follow the Eclipse
The eclipse will be followed by another major skywatching opportunity.
The Perseid meteor shower, widely considered one of the best meteor showers of the year, will reach its peak shortly after the eclipse during a new moon phase.
The darker sky created by the absence of moonlight will provide better conditions for viewing meteors streaking across the night sky.
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely
Looking directly at the Sun during a partial solar eclipse can permanently damage eyesight. Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes.
NASA recommends using certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.
Experts warn that consumers should be careful when purchasing eclipse glasses, as some products falsely claim to meet safety requirements. The American Astronomical Society recommends checking whether the viewers come from reliable manufacturers and have been tested by accredited laboratories.
During a partial eclipse, viewers should keep their protective glasses on at all times while looking at the Sun. The only time it is safe to look directly at the Sun without protection is during the brief period of totality, when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon.
For those outside the path of totality in 2026, the eclipse will still offer a rare opportunity to observe the Moon's movement across the Sun, as long as it is viewed safely.
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
10 Stunning Beaches to See Solar Eclipse in Spain
33 hari lalu
With the path of totality sweeping across northern and eastern, these scenic beaches to see solar eclipse in Spain turn into popular tourist spots.
2026 Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible in Spain with a Catch
39 hari lalu
Spain will have front-row seats for the 2026 solar eclipse, but a unique challenge could spoil the experience for unprepared viewers.
Europe to Witness First Total Solar Eclipse Since 1999
56 hari lalu
first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe will cross parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal on August 12, 2026.
Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Darken Skies Across Europe This August
12 Mei 2026
First one since 1999, the 2026 total solar eclipse is set to become one of the decade's most breathtaking celestial events.
Easy Ways to Watch the Feb. 17 Annular Solar Eclipse
3 Februari 2026
This year's solar eclipse is special because it coincides with Chinese New Year celebrations and will occur on February 17, 2026.
February 2026 Skywatch: Solar Eclipse, Full Moon, and Planets
3 Februari 2026
A number of astronomical phenomena will occur during February 2026, including an annular solar eclipse.
Four Eclipses to Occur in 2026, Only One Seen from Indonesia
7 Januari 2026
The first eclipse will be a solar eclipse on February 17th, coinciding with the celebration of Chinese New Year.
The Longest Solar Eclipse in 100 Years: When and Where to See It
9 Desember 2025
On August 2, 2027, the longest solar eclipse in a century will darken skies across three continents. Here's when and where to see it.
Partial Solar Eclipse on September 21-22: Everything You Need to Know
19 September 2025
On September 21-22, skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere are in the prime position to catch 2025's second and final solar eclipse. Learn more here.
Partial Solar Eclipse This Week: When and Where to Watch It
18 September 2025
The phenomenon of a partial Solar Eclipse is predicted to occur on Sunday, September 21, 2025, just a few hours before the September equinox.
