NASA Prepares Public for Aug. 12 Total Solar Eclipse

A total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, crossing the Atlantic Ocean and parts of Europe ^[1].

This event provides a rare opportunity for scientists and the public to study the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the star that is usually hidden by the solar disk. NASA is promoting public viewing and sharing scientific data to maximize the educational value of the alignment.

The path of totality, where the moon completely obscures the sun, will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and the Atlantic Ocean [1, 5]. For those in the path of totality, the timing varies by region. Totality is expected to begin at 1:45 p.m. EDT in Iceland [1, 2]. In Spain, the total eclipse is scheduled to begin at 2:28 p.m. EDT [1, 2].

While the full eclipse is limited to specific regions, a partial eclipse will be visible to a much larger audience. Most of Europe and parts of North America will see the moon partially cover the sun [1, 6]. This allows millions of people outside the primary path to witness the dimming of daylight, though they will not experience the complete darkness of totality.

NASA has urged the public to use proper eye protection when viewing the event. The agency is using the eclipse to highlight the dynamics of the solar corona and its influence on space weather. Because the moon blocks the direct light of the sun, researchers can observe the corona's plasma and magnetic fields in detail [1, 6].

Observers in the U.S. will be able to see a portion of the event, though they will not be within the path of totality [1, 3]. The agency continues to provide resources and timing updates to help viewers identify the best locations for observation within their respective time zones [1, 2].