August 12 solar eclipse: Check US states that can witness the astronomical phenomenon, timings and viewing details

Skywatchers across parts of Europe, the Arctic and North America are preparing for a major celestial event on Wednesday, August 12, when a total solar eclipse will cross a narrow stretch of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, while a partial eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe and the northern US.

The eclipse will not be visible across the entire United States. A partial solar eclipse will be seen from 26 states, with Alaska and Maine offering the best views in the country.

The Moon’s central shadow, known as the umbra, will pass north of North America. Its wider outer shadow will instead create a partial eclipse across Alaska, parts of Canada and several northern US states.


Unlike the total eclipses that crossed the US in 2017 and 2024, the August 12 event will be relatively limited for American viewers. Still, millions of people will be able to see the Moon partially cover the Sun.

When is the solar eclipse on August 12?

The timing will depend on where you are.

In Alaska, the eclipse will occur during the morning. Fairbanks will see the deepest partial eclipse in the US, with roughly 37% of the Sun covered at around 8:27 a.m. AKDT.

In Anchorage, maximum eclipse will occur at about 8:21 a.m. AKDT, with nearly 28% of the Sun covered.

In the northeastern US, the eclipse will take place during the early afternoon. Maine will have the strongest view in the contiguous US, with around 28% of the Sun covered at approximately 1:50 p.m. EDT.

Solar eclipse timings for major US cities

• Boston: 16% coverage at 1:53 p.m. EDT
• Rochester: 9% at 1:43 p.m. EDT
• Albany: 13% at 1:50 p.m. EDT
• New York City: 10% at 1:54 p.m. EDT
• Trenton: 8% at 1:53 p.m. EDT
• Hartford: 13% at 1:54 p.m. EDT
• Providence: 15% at 1:55 p.m. EDT
• Concord: 17% at 1:52 p.m. EDT
• Augusta: 21% at 1:53 p.m. EDT
• Montpelier: 17% at 1:49 p.m. EDT
• Harrisburg: 6% at 1:50 p.m. EDT

The amount of the Sun covered will decrease farther away from Alaska, the Canadian border and New England. Some parts of the US will not see the eclipse at all.

Since the start, peak and end times vary by location, viewers should check a location-specific eclipse calculator for the exact schedule in their area.

Where will the eclipse be total?

The path of totality will be relatively narrow, stretching across eastern Greenland, western Iceland and northern Spain.

It will be about 180 miles wide, with the longest totality — lasting approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds — occurring offshore near Iceland.

For Europe, the event is particularly significant. It will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 2015 and the first visible from mainland Europe since 1999.

Spain will experience totality between approximately 8:26 p.m. and 8:33 p.m. local time. The Sun will be low near the western horizon during the event.

The timing also makes the event notable for astronomy enthusiasts. Just a few hours after the eclipse, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak, creating an unusual opportunity for skywatchers to observe two major celestial events in one night.

How to watch the solar eclipse safely

Anyone viewing the partial eclipse must use proper solar eye protection. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.

Eclipse glasses or other approved solar-viewing equipment should be worn whenever looking directly at the Sun during the partial phases.

Unlike during totality, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, it is not safe to look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun without appropriate protection.

When is the next total solar eclipse in the US?

People in the US will have to wait until March 30, 2033, for the next opportunity to see a total solar eclipse.

That eclipse will cross the Arctic, with the Moon’s umbral shadow stretching from far eastern Russia into northwestern Alaska.

The path of totality could reach about 485 miles (781 kilometres) in width, while totality will last for up to 2 minutes and 37 seconds.

Utqiagvik, formerly known as Barrow, along with Kotzebue, Nome and Prudhoe Bay, are among the potential viewing locations.

However, the 2033 eclipse is expected to be one of the least accessible total solar eclipses visible from the US this century. Its timing near the March equinox could nevertheless make it attractive to eclipse chasers, as the period can offer favourable opportunities to see the aurora borealis.