The total solar eclipse will be on August 12 and millions of skywatchers will witness a sight that will be unforgettable.
The Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun during a total solar eclipse and completely blocks the Sun's light for the observers on the totality path. Scientists, photographers and eclipse lovers from all over the world will be gathering on the ground to witness it.
The eclipse will begin in the Arctic region and spread to Europe and Asia. Only a few places will experience total darkness but more countries will see a partial solar eclipse depending on where they are located.
Countries Where The Total Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible
The path of totality is expected to pass through or near the following regions:
Greenland, Iceland, Northern Spain, Russia selected northern regions
Observers in this narrow route will experience a few minutes of complete darkness as the Moon completely covers our Sun.
Countries That Will See a Partial Solar Eclipse
People in several other countries would see partial eclipses, weather permitting.
United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Italy (northern parts), Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China (northern regions)
The visibility and eclipse magnitude will vary from location to location.
Eclipse Timing
The exact timing depends on where you’re located. The eclipse will take place in the afternoon (UTC) and last a few hours as the Moon’s shadow passes along the surface of the Earth. Local astronomical observatories or weather services will be able to tell us when the eclipse will take place in our area.
How to Watch Safely
Experts recommend that you use ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses or approved solar filters to view the eclipse. Looking directly at the Sun without proper eye protection can cause permanent eye damage.
In addition to indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors or live online streams from space agencies and observatories, are also safe.
Why This Eclipse Matters
Total solar eclipses are one of nature’s most extraordinary events. Besides bringing beautiful displays, they are great opportunities for scientists to study the Sun’s corona, solar winds and atmosphere in ways that are hard to see otherwise.
Astrophotographers and astronomy lovers are already planning trips to places in the path of totality, where weather conditions are expected to provide the best viewing experience.
The August 12 eclipse could be viewed as a full eclipse or as a partial eclipse and is one of the most eagerly awaited astronomical events of the year.
Skywatchers should be ready and take into account the weather forecast to prepare for the eclipse in advance, and have proper eye protection in place to see this remarkable cosmic event.
