August 2026 promises to be an exciting month for sky watchers, with two major celestial events scheduled to occur. North America will have the opportunity to observe a partial solar eclipse on August 12, while European observers will experience a total eclipse. Though residents across the continent will not witness the full phenomenon, this astronomical occurrence will still provide a spectacular viewing opportunity for those in optimal locations.
The partial eclipse will be visible across northern regions of North America and Canada on August 12, with viewing times differing by location. Observers in Anchorage, Alaska will see the eclipse peak at 8:21 a.m. Eastern Time, while those in Washington, D.C. can expect peak visibility around 1:53 p.m. ET. Alaska and northern Canada will experience the event during morning hours, while eastern Canada and parts of the northern United States will observe it in the afternoon.
Safety is paramount when observing this celestial event. Since the Moon will not completely block the Sun from anywhere in North America, direct viewing without proper protection is dangerous. Viewers must wear eclipse glasses certified to the ISO 12312-2 safety standard, as regular sunglasses offer insufficient protection. Those using optical equipment should attach approved solar filters to their devices. NASA will provide live coverage across multiple platforms including YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels for those unable to view the eclipse directly.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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