SynopsisPeople in the US can watch the rare August 12 total solar eclipse online, even though totality will not be visible across the country. Alaska and 26 states will see a partial eclipse, while NASA's livestream will provide views of totality from locations along the eclipse path.iStockSolar eclipse of August 12, 2026: When it starts and where US can see itThe August 12 total solar eclipse will give millions of people across parts of Europe an opportunity to witness the Moon completely cover the Sun, marking the return of totality to central and western mainland Europe after 27 years. NASA is encouraging skywatchers, including people in the US who will not experience totality, to follow the rare event through its livestream.The total eclipse will last for a maximum of 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The Moon's shadow will pass across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain before reaching the Balearic Islands, with a small part of Portugal also within the path of totality.Also Read: Surya Grahan 2026 timing in India: Solar eclipse date, time, sutak kaalEurope to see total solar eclipse after 27 yearsThe last total solar eclipse visible from central and western mainland Europe occurred on August 11, 1999. No total eclipse path has crossed these parts of Europe since then.On August 12, people inside the narrow path of totality will see the Moon completely block the Sun. Daylight will briefly darken, allowing the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, to become visible.Where and when to watch the eclipseThe total solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The Moon's shadow will move across the Northern Hemisphere before reaching Europe.Totality will be visible from parts of Iceland and Spain, while much of the rest of Europe will experience a partial solar eclipse. The longest totality will last about 2 minutes and 18 seconds, with some of the best views expected from Iceland.NASA, ESA to provide live coveragePeople outside the path of totality can watch the event online. NASA's livestream will begin at 1:15 p.m. EDT and feature live views from locations along the eclipse path, along with commentary from NASA scientists and eclipse experts.The European Space Agency will also provide live coverage from Spain.Will Americans see the August 12 eclipse?The US will not experience totality during the August 12 eclipse, although parts of the country will see a partial solar eclipse. Alaska and 26 US states are expected to witness at least part of the event.Canada will also experience a partial eclipse across all its provinces and territories.Anyone viewing a partial solar eclipse must use certified eclipse glasses or a safe solar filter. Looking directly at the Sun without appropriate eye protection can cause permanent damage.Where can Europeans see the total solar eclipse?The August 12 total solar eclipse will cross parts of Europe after first passing through a remote region of northern Russia. The path of totality will then move across Greenland and Iceland before reaching Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal.In Spain, the eclipse will travel roughly from the northern city of Oviedo to Mallorca. The path will also cross areas affected by devastating wildfires that scientists say were made more likely by human-driven climate change.August 12 begins a rare eclipse sequenceThe 2026 eclipse marks the start of an unusual period for eclipse watchers. Another total solar eclipse will cross southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East on August 2, 2027. Totality will last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds near Luxor, Egypt, making it the longest land-based total solar eclipse between 1991 and 2114.A third total solar eclipse will follow on July 22, 2028, with the path of totality crossing parts of Australia and New Zealand.Read More News on