Solar Eclipse Guide: When to See It From Your City on August 12

Skywatchers across a vast swath of the globe

Skywatchers across a vast swath of the globe will have a front-row seat to a dramatic celestial event on August 12. Forecasters estimate that close to a billion people will be within the viewing zone for a partial eclipse, while roughly 15 million will experience the full spectacle as the moon completely covers the sun.

The path of totality—where the sun will vanish entirely behind the moon’s shadow—stretches across a narrow corridor. Observers inside that line will witness a few minutes of eerie daytime darkness, with the corona flaring around the black disk. Those just outside the corridor will see a crescent sun, with the bite of shadow growing or shrinking depending on their exact position.

Timing is everything for eclipse chasers. The event’s start, peak, and end vary by city, sometimes by minutes or even hours. For instance, in New York, the partial phase begins at 1:21 p.m. local time and reaches its maximum coverage at 2:45 p.m., while in Chicago, the peak occurs at 1:58 p.m. with a slightly smaller bite. On the West Coast, Los Angeles viewers will see the sun 70% covered at 11:12 a.m., and Seattle’s maximum hits at 10:21 a.m.

To help you plan, astronomers have released precise

To help you plan, astronomers have released precise local timetables. Europe and North Africa will see the early stages, with London’s peak at 8:13 p.m. local time (sunset interferes), while Cairo sees a 40% partial at 6:45 p.m. In Asia, Tokyo’s maximum is at 5:09 p.m., and Singapore will experience a deep partial at 6:22 p.m.

Safety remains the top priority. Experts stress that no eclipse phase is safe to view with the naked eye unless you’re in the totality path and the sun is completely hidden. Even a 1% sliver can damage retinas. Use certified solar glasses or a pinhole projector, and never use regular sunglasses, camera lenses, or telescopes without proper solar filters.

For those who can’t step outside, live streams from observatories will broadcast the event in real time. The next total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. won’t occur until 2044, making this August’s display a must-see for many. Check your local forecast and set an alarm—just a few minutes of preparation can turn a routine Tuesday into a memory that lasts a lifetime.