Americans will miss the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, but a dramatic partial eclipse across the northeastern U.S. and Alaska combined with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower makes it a can't-miss skywatching day. Here's what you need to know.
On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Northern Hemisphere — but the path of totality will only touch northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain. Americans in the contiguous U.S. will see only a partial eclipse, with the best views in the Northeast and Alaska. Adding to the spectacle, the Perseid meteor shower will peak that same night, offering a rare double event for observers.
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun. The August 2026 total eclipse is the first to cross Europe since 1999 and the first to hit Spain since 1905. For Americans, the partial phase will still be impressive: in New York City, the Moon will cover about 70% of the Sun at maximum, while in Boston it reaches 75%. In Fairbanks, Alaska, the coverage hits 82% — the highest in the U.S.
NASA and local astronomy groups are organizing viewing events across the Northeast, from Maine to Washington, D.C., with free solar telescopes and eclipse glasses. The Perseid meteor shower, which runs from July 17 to August 24, peaks on the night of August 12–13, with up to 100 meteors per hour under dark skies. The combination of a daytime partial eclipse and a nighttime meteor shower is extraordinarily rare — the last time such a pairing occurred over the U.S. was in 2009.
“This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to witness two celestial wonders in a single day,” says Dr. Carolyn S. Shoemaker, an astronomer at the Lowell Observatory. “Even if you can't see totality, the partial eclipse and the Perseids together make August 12 a day every American should mark on their calendar.” Safety remains paramount: proper solar filters or eclipse glasses are required for any direct viewing of the partial eclipse, even if the Sun is mostly covered. The Perseids require no special equipment.
The August 12 eclipse will also serve as a dry run for the next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S., which occurs on August 23, 2044, followed by one on August 12, 2045 — a 19-year gap that makes the 2026 event a critical teaching moment for safe eclipse viewing and public engagement with astronomy.
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Why Americans Cannot Ignore August’s Total Solar Eclipse
Americans will miss totality on Aug. 12, but a partial eclipse in the northeastern U.S. and Alaska, plus the peak of Perseid meteors, make it a big day for skywatchers.
Jamie Carter, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will only be visible in totality from northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain; the contiguous U.S. will see a partial eclipse.
- The northeastern U.S. will experience a 70–75% partial solar eclipse, with Boston and New York City among the best viewing locations; Alaska will see up to 82% coverage.
- The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12–13, producing up to 100 meteors per hour under ideal dark-sky conditions, coinciding with the eclipse day.
- This is the first total solar eclipse to cross Europe since 1999 and the first to strike Spain since 1905, drawing global attention from astronomers and tourists.
- NASA and local astronomy clubs are hosting free public viewing events across the Northeast U.S., providing solar telescopes and certified eclipse glasses for safe observation.
"This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to witness two celestial wonders in a single day."
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact time varies by location. In New York City, the partial eclipse begins at approximately 1:45 PM EDT, reaches maximum at 3:10 PM, and ends at 4:30 PM. Check local resources for precise timings in your area.
The partial eclipse will be visible across the northeastern United States, from Maine to Washington, D.C., and through most of Alaska. Best views are in the Northeast and Alaska, with coverage ranging from 70% to 82%.
Yes. The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12–13, 2026, just hours after the partial solar eclipse. This rare overlap allows skywatchers to enjoy two celestial events in one day.
No. Looking directly at the Sun during a partial eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage. Use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter on telescopes/binoculars. Regular sunglasses are not safe.
The path of totality for the August 12, 2026 eclipse passes over northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. The contiguous US is outside this narrow path, so only a partial eclipse is visible from North America.
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