North America Set for Solar Eclipse Viewing in August 2026
WHO:
Mashable - Most Americans will see a partial solar eclipse.
Space.com - Millions across the U.S. and Canada will witness the eclipse.
WHAT:
Bloomberg - A total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain on August 12, marking the first total eclipse visible from central or western Europe since 1999.
NPR - NASA will have teams using scientific balloons and a high-altitude jet to study how the sky, when darkened for a short period, impacts the Earth's atmosphere during the eclipse.
NPR - "From our unique perspective on Earth during a total solar eclipse, scientists can study the Sun's corona in a way we can't from anywhere else in the solar system," said Kelly Korreck, eclipse program manager for NASA.
NPR - The partial solar eclipse is expected to begin around 1:17 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C. and have 4% coverage.
NPR - In Reykjavík, Iceland, the total eclipse will begin at 5:48 p.m. local time, and in León, Spain, totality will begin at 8:28 p.m. and last for two minutes.
NPR - This will be the first solar eclipse visible from Spain's mainland since 1905, according to the European Space Agency.
NPR - The partial solar eclipse is expected to have 4% coverage in Washington, D.C.
NPR - The next partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the U.S. on Aug. 2, 2027.
NPR - A total solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the contiguous U.S. on Aug. 23, 2044.
Mashable - A partial solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026.
Space.com - The eclipse will not rival the 2024 Great American Eclipse.
WHERE:
Mashable - The eclipse will be visible across the U.S. and Canada.
WHEN:
Mashable - The solar eclipse is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026.
Space.com - The eclipse will take place on Aug. 12, 2026.
WHY:
Space.com - The eclipse will occur as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun.
HOW:
NPR - Looking at the sun, even for a short time, can cause significant eye damage, including burns and even permanent vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
NPR - Special equipment such as eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with special filters will be necessary to protect one's eyes during the eclipse. Regular sunglasses will not be effective for eye protection.
Mashable - Instructions on how to watch the eclipse safely will be provided.
(UPDATED August 9, 2026 14:08 UTC)
A total solar eclipse is set to cross Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and northern Spain on August 12, marking the first total eclipse visible from central or western Europe since 1999. NASA will deploy teams using scientific balloons and a high-altitude jet to investigate how the temporary darkness affects the Earth's atmosphere during this event. According to Kelly Korreck, the eclipse program manager for NASA, this unique perspective allows scientists to study the Sun's corona in a way that isn't possible from anywhere else in the solar system.
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(UPDATED August 9, 2026 13:18 UTC)
A partial solar eclipse is set to begin around 1:17 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C., with only 4% coverage. Meanwhile, a total eclipse will occur in Reykjavík, Iceland, starting at 5:48 p.m. local time, and in León, Spain, where totality will begin at 8:28 p.m. and last for two minutes, marking the first solar eclipse visible from Spain's mainland since 1905. It's important to remember that looking directly at the sun, even briefly, can cause serious eye damage, including burns and permanent vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
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(UPDATED August 9, 2026 12:01 UTC)
A partial solar eclipse is expected to provide 4% coverage in Washington, D.C., and viewers will need special equipment like eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with filters to safely observe the event, as regular sunglasses won't suffice. Looking ahead, the next partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of the U.S. on August 2, 2027, followed by a total solar eclipse on August 23, 2044, which will also be visible across parts of the contiguous U.S. Be sure to prepare properly to enjoy these celestial events safely!
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(UPDATED August 9, 2026 11:04 UTC)
Millions of people across the U.S. and Canada will have the chance to witness a partial solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun. While this event will be visible to most Americans, it will not rival the spectacular Great American Eclipse of 2024. Instructions on how to watch the eclipse safely will be provided to ensure everyone can enjoy this celestial phenomenon.