Solar Eclipse of August 12: These U.S. States Will Be Able to See It

Millions of people in the United States will have the opportunity to partially observe the solar eclipse next Wednesday, August 12, 2026, although the magnitude of the phenomenon will depend significantly on the location.

Although the totality will only be visible from certain regions of the Northern Hemisphere, several areas of the United States will be able to see how the Moon covers part of the solar disk.

According to NASA, the phenomenon can be observed from Alaska to North Carolina and will also be visible in Washington, D.C.

Which U.S. States Will Have the Best View of the Eclipse?

Alaska will be the U.S. state with the best conditions to observe the phenomenon.

In Fairbanks, the Moon will cover approximately 37% of the Sun. The eclipse will begin around 7:37 a.m., reach its peak at 8:27 a.m., and end near 9:18 a.m.

Anchorage will have an approximate coverage of 28%. It can be observed between 7:36 and 9:09 a.m., with the maximum expected at 8:21 a.m.

In Juneau, the coverage will be close to 17%, starting around 7:41 a.m. and ending at 9:08 a.m. Its peak will arrive approximately at 8:24 a.m.

Maine and Boston Will Also Have Good Visibility

In the Northeast United States, Bangor, Maine, will be one of the cities with the highest coverage outside of Alaska.

The Moon will cover approximately 24% of the Sun, and the phenomenon can be observed between 12:54 and 2:49 p.m., reaching its peak around 1:53 p.m.

Portland, Maine, will have close to 19% coverage, while Boston, Massachusetts, will reach approximately 16%.

In Boston, the eclipse will begin around 1:01 p.m., reach its peak at 1:55 p.m., and end approximately at 2:46 p.m.

New York, Philadelphia, and Washington Will Also Be Able to Observe It

The coverage will decrease progressively in other cities across the country.

New York will have approximately 9% coverage and can observe the phenomenon between 1:07 and 2:38 p.m.

In Philadelphia, it will be close to 7%, with the eclipse taking place approximately between 1:11 and 2:35 p.m.

Washington, D.C., will have around 4% coverage between 1:17 and 2:27 p.m., while Detroit will register approximately 3%, with its peak around 1:36 p.m.

How to Safely Observe the Solar Eclipse?

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The NASA reminds us that during a partial eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection.

Spectators must use certified eclipse glasses or suitable solar viewers. Conventional sunglasses, no matter how dark they are, do not provide the necessary protection.

Indirect observation methods can also be used, such as a pinhole projector, which allows you to follow the eclipse without looking directly at the Sun.

Protection will be especially important in the United States because the eclipse will be partial throughout the event, so there will be no moment when it is safe to remove the special glasses to observe the Sun directly.

Where Will the Eclipse Be Total?

While the United States will observe a partial version, the totality can be experienced from certain regions located near the eclipse’s central path.

For Americans, Alaska will offer some of the best conditions, although millions of people in other parts of the country will also have the opportunity to look up at the sky and enjoy one of the most anticipated astronomical phenomena of 2026.

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