NASA's confirmed map of the total solar eclipse and its partial path over the US

A total solar eclipse will traverse the Northern Hemisphere on August 12, 2026, offering a partial viewing experience across the northern United States. The extent of the solar coverage will differ based on the observer's location, with some regions falling outside the visibility area entirely.

According to NASA's map, shared by the Associated Press, the partial eclipse's path will stretch from Alaska down to North Carolina. In Anchorage, maximum coverage will reach 28%, while Fairbanks will see 37% and Juneau only 17%. On the East Coast, New York will experience a maximum coverage of 9%, Boston 16%, and Washington D.C. a mere 4%. Detroit's coverage will be minimal at 3%. None of these U.S. locations will witness the characteristic darkness of the total phase.

The path of totality for the 2026 eclipse will be significantly narrower than the area experiencing partial coverage. This path begins in northern Russia, moves across the Arctic and North Atlantic, and passes through Iceland before reaching Spain and a small section of northwestern Portugal. Other parts of the Northern Hemisphere will see varying degrees of coverage, but not the full totality.

A unique aspect of the August 12 event will be the opportunity for some areas in continental Western Europe and northwestern Africa to observe the sun partially obscured as it nears the horizon. This phenomenon, an eclipsed sunset, promises a striking visual spectacle, though the experience will depend on local conditions and the precise timing of the sun's descent.