A rare total solar eclipse is taking place today, Wednesday, August 12, 2026, creating a major celestial event for skywatchers across parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The Moon is passing directly between Earth and the Sun, briefly blocking the Sun for observers inside the narrow path of totality.
The total eclipse is visible along a path stretching across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal. A much wider region—including parts of North America, Europe and northwestern Africa—can experience a partial solar eclipse.
For people outside the path of totality, online livestreams provide another way to follow the event.
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| The Moon passes directly in front of the Sun during the August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse, creating a spectacular view of the solar corona along the path of totality |
☀️ What Is Happening During Today's Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun and casts its shadow across Earth's surface.
Today's event is a total solar eclipse.
For observers inside the central path, the Moon will completely cover the bright face of the Sun for a short period. During totality, the Sun's outer atmosphere—the corona—becomes visible. NASA describes this as an especially valuable opportunity for scientists to study the solar corona.
Totality will last less than about two and a half minutes even near the most favorable parts of the path.
🌍 Where Can You See the Total Eclipse?
The path of totality crosses several geographically diverse areas:
- 🇬🇱 Greenland
- 🇮🇸 Iceland
- 🇷🇺 Northern Russia
- 🌊 North Atlantic Ocean
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇵🇹 A small part of Portugal
NASA says many other areas will see a partial eclipse, including parts of the northern United States, most of Canada, much of Europe and northwestern Africa.
🇺🇸 Can Americans See Today's Eclipse?
Some people in the United States can see a partial solar eclipse, but the country is not on the main path of totality.
NASA says the partial eclipse can be observed across parts of the U.S. extending from Alaska to North Carolina. In the northern contiguous United States, the event occurs around midday and continues into the afternoon farther east.
The amount of the Sun covered depends heavily on location.
🕒 When Does the Eclipse Happen?
The exact viewing time depends on your location.
The eclipse begins at different times around the world as the Moon's shadow moves across Earth. In parts of northern Russia, the eclipse begins early in the day, while Greenland and Iceland experience it later in the afternoon or early evening. Spain and northwestern Portugal see the event close to sunset.
For a specific city, viewers should use an eclipse map or local astronomical calculator rather than relying on a single worldwide time.
👀 How to Watch Today's Solar Eclipse Safely
Never look directly at the partially eclipsed Sun with ordinary sunglasses.
NASA recommends using safe solar-viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer when observing a partial eclipse directly.
There is one important exception: during the brief period of totality, when the Moon completely covers the Sun's bright face, observers within the path of totality can look directly at the eclipse. However, solar protection must be used again as soon as the bright solar surface begins to reappear.
Safe Viewing Tips
- Use certified solar-viewing glasses.
- Don't use ordinary sunglasses as a substitute.
- Don't look through an unfiltered camera, telescope or binoculars.
- Follow instructions supplied with legitimate solar viewers.
- Consider indirect projection if you don't have proper viewing equipment.
- Children should be supervised during direct observation.
🔬 Why Scientists Study Solar Eclipses
A total solar eclipse provides a unique opportunity to observe the Sun's corona.
Normally, the bright solar disk overwhelms the much fainter corona. During totality, the Moon blocks the bright surface, allowing scientists and observers to see the corona more clearly.
Researchers can use eclipse observations to study:
- Solar magnetic structures
- The solar corona
- Solar activity
- Space-weather processes
- The interaction between the Sun and Earth's environment
NASA has also planned coverage of the August 12 eclipse, including views from along the eclipse path and expert interviews.
🌅 A Special Sunset Eclipse in Europe
One particularly interesting feature of today's event is that some observers in western Europe and Africa can experience the eclipse close to sunset.
NASA notes that for parts of mainland Europe and Africa, the Sun may set while it is still partially eclipsed.
That can create a striking astronomical scene, with the partially covered Sun appearing low on the horizon.
🌎 Why Is Today's Eclipse Important?
Total solar eclipses are relatively rare from any individual location because the Moon's shadow covers only a narrow portion of Earth's surface.
NASA explains that the Moon's umbral shadow is only about 480 kilometers (300 miles) wide.
That means millions of people may be able to see some part of an eclipse, but only a much smaller number can experience complete totality from a particular location.
🔭 What Comes Next?
Today's total solar eclipse is not the end of the 2026 eclipse calendar.
NASA lists the next solar eclipse as an annular solar eclipse on February 6, 2027, followed by another total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, visible across parts of southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
The August 2027 eclipse is expected to attract substantial attention because its path crosses several populated regions.
📱 How to Watch if You Can't See It
If the eclipse isn't visible from your location because of geography, daylight, clouds or other conditions, online coverage is an alternative.
NASA is providing live eclipse coverage and expert commentary for the August 12 event.
This is particularly useful for people outside the path of totality.
Final Thoughts
Today's August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse is one of the year's major astronomical events.
The Moon's shadow is crossing a narrow path through Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic and parts of the Iberian Peninsula, while a much broader area experiences a partial eclipse.
For skywatchers, the event offers more than a spectacular view. It also provides scientists with an opportunity to study the Sun's mysterious outer atmosphere.
Whether you're watching from the path of totality, seeing a partial eclipse from North America, or following the event online, today's eclipse is a reminder of how precisely the motions of the Sun, Moon and Earth align to produce these extraordinary events.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an eclipse today?
Yes. A total solar eclipse is occurring on August 12, 2026, with totality visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal.
What type of eclipse is happening today?
Today's event is a total solar eclipse. Many locations outside the path of totality will experience a partial solar eclipse.
Can the U.S. see today's eclipse?
Parts of the United States can see a partial solar eclipse. NASA identifies visibility across portions of the country from Alaska to North Carolina, but the U.S. is not on the main path of totality.
Where is today's total solar eclipse visible?
The path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the North Atlantic, Spain and a small corner of Portugal.
Can I look directly at today's eclipse?
During a partial solar eclipse, you should use proper solar-viewing glasses or another safe solar-viewing method. Only during the brief period of totality can people within the totality path safely view the completely covered Sun directly.
How long will totality last?
Totality lasts less than approximately two and a half minutes, even near the most favorable areas along the path.
Why is the solar corona visible during totality?
The Moon blocks the Sun's much brighter visible surface during totality, allowing the much fainter outer atmosphere, known as the corona, to become visible.
Can I watch the eclipse online?
Yes. NASA is providing live coverage of the August 12, 2026, eclipse, including views and expert commentary.
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