NASA urges US residents to watch August 12’s total solar eclipse

The United States' space agency, NASA, has urged Americans to observe the August 12 total solar eclipse, describing it as one of the year's most significant astronomical events and encouraging residents in areas of visibility to prepare for safe viewing. According to NASA, while the path of totality will stretch across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal, millions of people in the northern United States will still be able to witness a partial solar eclipse. "Many other places in the Northern Hemisphere will experience a partial solar eclipse that day, including parts of the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa," NASA said. Partial eclipse visible across parts of US The agency said residents in states including Alaska, Maine, Massachusetts and Michigan will have an opportunity to see the Moon partially cover the Sun, although the level of coverage will vary depending on location. Additionally, NASA noted that observers in the northeastern United States will see only a small portion of the Sun obscured, while locations closer to the path of totality in Europe and the North Atlantic will experience a much deeper eclipse. ALSO READ: Trump denies US weapons shortage claims, vows action against leakers Why eye protection is essential The agency stressed that proper eye protection must be used throughout the partial phases of the eclipse. "During a partial solar eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection," the agency warned. The agency further advised skywatchers to use certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. It also cautioned against viewing the eclipse through cameras, telescopes or binoculars without approved solar filters, as concentrated sunlight can cause serious eye injuries. Rare sunset eclipse for some regions NASA said the August 12 event will also produce a rare sunset eclipse for observers in parts of mainland Europe and northwestern Africa, where the Sun will set before the eclipse fully ends. For those within the path of totality, the period during which the Moon completely covers the Sun will last less than two and a half minutes, depending on location. During that brief phase alone, it is safe to view the eclipse without eye protection. The eclipse is expected to attract skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere, with astronomers describing it as one of the most anticipated celestial events of 2026. The agency also affirmed that it will stream the eclipse live starting at 1:15 p.m. EDT on August 12.