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The only total solar eclipse of 2026 will be visible from parts of Spain, Iceland, and Greenland today, a rare celestial event that’s drawn hundreds of thousands of travelers to the slim path of totality—the majority of which falls over open ocean.
For those stuck at home in the United States, you’ll still be able to get in on a (small) piece of the action. A partial solar eclipse will be visible from some parts of the country beginning this afternoon, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.
Viewers won’t experience the sudden darkness of a total solar eclipse, which happens when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun. Instead, the moon will only cover a small portion of the sun—but what this will actually look like will vary depending on where you are. In New York or Michigan, for example, the sun may appear like a cookie with a tiny bite taken out; however, in states that are closer to the path of totality—such as Massachusetts and Maine—a larger portion of the sun will be covered, making for a more dramatic viewing experience.
The below chart, courtesy of NASA, specifies where and when the partial solar eclipse will be visible in the United States on August 12, 2026:
It’s important to note that even though the partial solar eclipse may barely be noticeable in some places, you shouldn’t try to observe it with your naked eye. To prevent eye damage, be sure to use eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers when looking directly at the sun.
The cherry on top? Today is an astronomical double-header. The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks this week, and thanks to the new moon, August 12 will be one of the best nights in years to catch the dazzling display of shooting stars. Under ideal conditions, observers can see anywhere from 50 to 100 meteors an hour, with peak activity building after midnight until dawn.
For those suffering from eclipse FOMO, don’t fret: 2027 and 2028 will both bring total solar eclipses to bucket-list travel destinations, including what’s been dubbed the “eclipse of the century” in Egypt.
