What to know about the August 2026 total solar eclipse and where you can see it in the US
A total solar eclipse will take place on Aug. 12, giving millions of skywatchers across Europe and the Arctic a chance to witness one of nature's most spectacular events.
The eclipse's path of totality -- where the moon completely blocks the sun -- will cross Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean and Spain, as well as parts of Portugal and Russia, according to NASA.
While the total eclipse won't be visible from the United States, people in parts of the country will still be able to catch a partial solar eclipse.
Here's what to know.
Who can see the total solar eclipse?
NASA notes the total solar eclipse will be visible along a narrow path that stretches across Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, a small corner of Portugal and northern Russia.
People within the path of totality will see the moon completely cover the sun for a brief period, turning daytime skies dark.
Where can you see the eclipse in the U.S.?
Many locations in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse, including parts of the northern United States, from Alaska to North Carolina.
NASA says depending on where you are, the moon will cover a different portion of the sun during the partial eclipse, making it appear as though a "bite" has been taken out of the sun.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth that fully or partially blocks the sun, according to NASA.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the sun for observers within the path of totality. Outside that path, people see a partial solar eclipse, where only part of the sun is obscured.
Do you need eclipse glasses?
Yes. Anyone viewing a partial solar eclipse should wear certified solar eclipse glasses or use a handheld solar viewer that meets the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard, NASA recommends. Regular sunglasses are not safe for viewing the sun.
The agency says the only time it is safe to view the sun without certified eclipse glasses is during totality, when the moon completely covers the sun. Since the Aug. 12 eclipse will be partial across the United States, viewers should wear eclipse glasses throughout the event.
When was the last total solar eclipse visible in the U.S.?
The last total solar eclipse visible from the United States occurred on April 8, 2024, when the path of totality crossed 15 states from Texas to Maine, according to NASA.
When is the next total solar eclipse in the U.S.?
The next total solar eclipse visible from any part of the United States will occur on March 30, 2033, when totality will be visible only in Alaska, NASA says.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States is expected on Aug. 23, 2044. Another coast-to-coast total solar eclipse will follow on Aug. 12, 2045.
