Home / Science / Sky spectacle: Partial eclipse nears!
Sky spectacle: Partial eclipse nears!
10 Aug
Summary
- A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of Europe and northwest Africa.
- The U.S. will see a partial eclipse, with varying coverage from Alaska to North Carolina.
- Special eye protection is crucial, except during brief moments of totality.
A partial solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on August 12, offering a captivating celestial display for viewers across Europe and northwestern Africa. While those regions may see the moon cover a substantial part of the sun, the event will be partial for most in the United States.
In the U.S., the eclipse will be visible from Alaska down to North Carolina, and in Washington, D.C. Viewing times will differ, with Alaska experiencing it in the morning and other northern areas seeing it between midday and midafternoon. Maximum coverage in U.S. cities includes Fairbanks, Alaska, at 37%, and Bangor, Maine, at 24%.
Viewing this phenomenon requires caution. NASA strongly recommends using protective eyewear, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters, when the moon is not fully obscuring the sun. This protection is vital to prevent eye damage. Only during the brief moments when the sun's face is completely covered by the moon can direct viewing occur without special equipment.
