August Solar Eclipse 2026: Will the US witness totality? Here’s which places will have the spectacular view

The August Solar Eclipse is coming Aug. 12, 2026, and there is one important catch for skywatchers in the United States: The total solar eclipse will not be visible from anywhere in the country. Instead, parts of the U.S. will see a partial solar eclipse, with the Moon appearing to take a bite out of the Sun. The total eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small part of Portugal, while the partial phase stretches across much of the Northern Hemisphere, as per a report by Space.

In the U.S., the farther north and east you go, the more of the Sun will be covered. That means this is not another 2024-style spectacle for Americans, but it is still a worthwhile celestial event, especially for observers in Alaska and the Northeast.

Will the total solar eclipse be visible in the U.S.?

No. The path of totality does not cross the United States during the Solar Eclipse 2026 event. NASA says the total phase will pass over Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small section of Portugal. Parts of the U.S. will instead experience a Partial solar eclipse.



For American viewers, the difference is significant. During totality, the Moon completely covers the Sun and briefly reveals the Sun's corona. During a partial eclipse, some of the solar disk remains visible.

Where will Americans get the best view?

Alaska and the northeastern U.S. will have some of the country's strongest views. In Fairbanks, Alaska, about 37% of the Sun will be covered, with maximum eclipse around 8:27 a.m. local time. Anchorage will see about 28% coverage around 8:21 a.m.

In the Lower 48, Maine offers some of the best opportunities. Bangor will see about 24% coverage around 1:53 p.m., while Portland will see about 19%. Boston will reach about 16% coverage around 1:55 p.m. New York City will see roughly 9% coverage, peaking around 1:54 p.m. Washington, D.C., will see about 4%.

That means the closer you are to the northern edge of the country, particularly New England, the more noticeable the eclipse will be.

When should you look up?

The timing depends heavily on location. In Fairbanks, the eclipse begins around 7:37 a.m. and reaches maximum coverage at about 8:27 a.m. In Boston, it starts around 1:01 p.m., peaks at 1:55 p.m. and ends around 2:46 p.m.

For New York City, the partial eclipse begins around 1:07 p.m., reaches its maximum at approximately 1:54 p.m. and ends around 2:38 p.m. The best view isn't necessarily about finding a particular minute. Clear skies and an unobstructed view of the Sun will matter just as much.

What will the U.S. eclipse look like?

Don't expect daytime darkness. In most of the U.S., the eclipse will look like a crescent-shaped section missing from the Sun. NASA notes that viewers in the southern and central parts of the country will see only a small portion of the solar disk covered, while areas closer to the path of totality will experience a deeper partial eclipse.

So while the US Solar eclipse won't deliver the dramatic darkness seen during the April 2024 total eclipse, it can still make for an impressive observing and photography opportunity.

How can you watch it safely?

This is the most important part: Never look directly at the Sun during a partial solar eclipse without proper solar eye protection.

NASA recommends eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe.

If you're using binoculars, a telescope or a camera, do not simply put eclipse glasses over your eyes and look through the equipment. Specialized solar filters must be placed correctly on the front of the optical device.

Where can you see totality?

For those determined to experience the full total solar eclipse, travel will be necessary.

Greenland, Iceland and Spain are among the most accessible destinations along the path of totality. In Reykjavík, totality begins around 5:48 p.m. local time and lasts about a minute. In parts of Spain, totality arrives later in the evening, close to sunset.

For many locations along the path, totality lasts less than two minutes.

The next big U.S. opportunity

The August event isn't the end of the eclipse story. NASA lists the next total solar eclipse for Aug. 2, 2027, although the United States will again not be in the path of totality.

FAQs

Will the total solar eclipse be visible anywhere in the U.S.?

No. The U.S. will experience only a partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026. Alaska and parts of the Northeast will see some of the highest coverage.

Where in the U.S. will the eclipse be strongest?

Fairbanks, Alaska, will see about 37% coverage. In the Lower 48, northern New England offers some of the best views, including about 24% coverage in Bangor, Maine.