What US States Will See the August 2026 Partial Solar Eclipse (October 2026)

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, but here in the United States, we will only see a partial solar eclipse. That partial eclipse will be visible from 25 US states, stretching from Alaska all the way east to North Carolina. If you have been wondering whether the August 2026 partial solar eclipse will be visible from your state, this guide breaks it all down.

I have spent weeks compiling data from NASA, the National Solar Observatory, and timeanddate.com to build the most complete US-focused resource for this event. Whether you live in Anchorage or Albany, you will find your local magnitude, obscuration percentage, and viewing times right here. The August 2026 partial solar eclipse US states list is the core of what we cover, but we also go deep into safety, timing, weather, and what the eclipse will actually look like from your backyard.

Here is why this event matters: it is the next solar eclipse visible from the United States after the April 2024 total solar eclipse, and it will be the only partial solar eclipse visible from the contiguous US until February 5, 2046. That is a 20-year gap. So even though the Moon will only take a small bite out of the Sun from most US locations, this is a notable astronomical event worth planning for.

Reddit users on r/solareclipse have been buzzing about the 2026 and 2027 eclipse pair, calling it a rare opportunity for back-to-back total eclipses in consecutive years. While the total phase of the August 2026 eclipse skips the US entirely, the partial phase gives Americans a front-row seat to a celestial event that most of the Northern Hemisphere will experience on the same day.

Quick Answer: Which US States Will See the August 2026 Partial Solar Eclipse?

The August 2026 partial solar eclipse will be visible from all or parts of 25 US states. According to NASA and nationaleclipse.com, those states are: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

If you live in any of these states, you will be able to see at least a small portion of the Sun covered by the Moon on August 12, 2026. The visibility quality varies enormously depending on where you are. Anchorage, Alaska will see the best show with 27.91% of the Sun covered. Meanwhile, southern portions of states like Virginia and North Carolina will see barely 1-2% coverage, making the eclipse almost imperceptible without specialized equipment.

The key takeaway: the farther north and west you are, the better your view. Alaska gets the deepest partial eclipse, followed by the northern Midwest and New England. The Mid-Atlantic and southern fringes of the viewing zone get only a sliver.

What Is the August 12 2026 Solar Eclipse?

The August 12 2026 solar eclipse is a total solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will completely block the Sun along a narrow path of totality. That path crosses the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal, and northern Spain. People within that roughly 290-kilometer-wide band will experience darkness in the middle of the day, see the Sun’s corona, and witness one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.

But the total eclipse path does not touch the United States at all. What we get is the partial phase, which is the area outside the path of totality where the Moon only covers part of the Sun. This partial zone extends across most of North America, all of Europe, northern Asia, and northwestern Africa. In the US, the Moon’s penumbral shadow grazes the northern tier of the country.

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun but the alignment is not perfect from your viewing location. Instead of complete coverage, you see the Moon take a bite out of the solar disc. The size of that bite depends on how close you are to the path of totality.

Total vs Partial Solar Eclipse: What Is the Difference?

The difference between a total and partial solar eclipse comes down to alignment and shadow type. During a total solar eclipse, you are standing in the Moon’s umbra, the dark central shadow where sunlight is completely blocked. During a partial solar eclipse, you are in the penumbra, the lighter outer shadow where only part of the Sun is obscured.

Total eclipses are dramatically more visually striking. The sky darkens, temperatures drop, birds go quiet, and the solar corona becomes visible. A partial eclipse, especially one at low obscuration percentages, may not be noticeable at all without looking at the Sun through a safe solar filter. Even at Anchorage’s 27.91% coverage, the daylight will only dim slightly.

That said, a partial solar eclipse is still a worthwhile event to witness. Through eclipse glasses or a telescope with a solar filter, you can watch the Moon slowly creep across the Sun’s face over the course of about two hours. It is a reminder of the precise orbital mechanics that govern our solar system.

Understanding Eclipse Magnitude and Obscuration

Two terms you will see throughout this guide are magnitude and obscuration. Eclipse magnitude measures how much of the Sun’s diameter is covered by the Moon at maximum eclipse. For example, Anchorage has a magnitude of 0.3917, meaning about 39% of the Sun’s diameter is covered.

Obscuration is slightly different. It measures the percentage of the Sun’s total area that is blocked. Because the Sun is a circle, area coverage is always less than diameter coverage. That is why Anchorage has a magnitude of 0.3917 but an obscuration of 27.91%. Throughout this article, I will reference obscuration percentages because they give you a more intuitive sense of what the eclipse will look like.

Complete List of US States With Partial Eclipse Visibility

Here is the full breakdown of all 25 states where the August 2026 partial solar eclipse will be visible, organized by viewing quality. I have grouped them into tiers based on obscuration levels so you can quickly tell whether your state gets a decent show or just a sliver.

Tier 1: Best Viewing (Alaska)

Alaska is in a class of its own. Anchorage will see 27.91% obscuration at maximum eclipse, making it the best US viewing location by a wide margin. Fairbanks and other interior Alaska locations will see even higher magnitude values. The eclipse begins around 6:47 AM AKDT and reaches maximum at 8:22 AM AKDT, meaning Alaskans get an early morning show.

However, cloud cover is a real concern in Alaska. Historical August cloud cover data suggests roughly 65-75% cloud cover probability for Anchorage. Eclipse chasers on Reddit note that Alaska’s weather in August is notoriously unpredictable, so clear skies are far from guaranteed.

Tier 2: Good Viewing (Northern Midwest and New England)

States in this tier will see obscuration between roughly 5% and 20%, depending on location. These are the states where the partial eclipse is noticeable through eclipse glasses but will not cause any perceptible daylight dimming.

Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan fall into this category, with northern sections of each state seeing the deepest partial. Cities like Minneapolis, Duluth, and Sault Ste. Marie will see meaningful coverage. The northernmost parts of Montana and North Dakota could approach 15-20% obscuration.

Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, and upstate New York also offer solid viewing. Northern Maine is particularly good, with some locations approaching 15% obscuration. Boston and New York City will see lower values, around 5-10%, but still enough to observe a clear bite taken from the Sun.

Tier 3: Moderate Viewing (Midwest and Mid-Atlantic)

Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and South Dakota make up the moderate tier. Obscuration ranges from roughly 2% to 10% across these states. The northern portions of each state see better coverage than the southern portions.

Major cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and Des Moines will see a small but detectable partial eclipse if skies are clear. You will definitely need eclipse glasses to notice anything from these locations, as the daylight change will be imperceptible.

Tier 4: Marginal Viewing (Southern Fringe)

Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina are at the southern edge of the viewing zone. Only the northernmost tips of these states will see any eclipse at all, and obscuration will be 1-3% at most. For most residents of these states, the eclipse will effectively not be visible.

If you live in Richmond, Charleston (WV), or Charlotte, you are out of luck. But if you are in northern Virginia near the DC area, the West Virginia panhandle, or the extreme northwestern corner of North Carolina, you might catch a tiny sliver if conditions are perfect.

States With No Visibility

The remaining 25 states, including the entire South, Southwest, West Coast (excluding Alaska), and Pacific Northwest, will see no eclipse at all on August 12, 2026. The Moon’s penumbral shadow does not reach these areas. If you live in California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, or anywhere in the Sunbelt, you will not see any part of this eclipse.

For those in these states, the next opportunity for a visible solar eclipse from US soil comes on August 2, 2027, when another total solar eclipse grazes the United States. More on that later.

Best US Viewing Cities and Magnitude Data

For eclipse chasers who want to maximize their view, here is a detailed breakdown of the best US cities for the August 2026 partial solar eclipse. This data draws from theskylive.com’s city magnitude tables and NASA eclipse bulletins.

Top 10 US Cities by Obscuration

1. Anchorage, Alaska — 27.91% obscuration, magnitude 0.3917, maximum at 8:22 AM AKDT. Anchorage is the undisputed champion for US viewing. The Moon will take a noticeable bite from the lower portion of the Sun during mid-morning.

2. Fairbanks, Alaska — Approximately 35% obscuration. Fairbanks actually sees deeper coverage than Anchorage due to its more northerly location, placing it closer to the path of totality. However, cloud cover is an even bigger concern here.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota — Approximately 12-15% obscuration, maximum around 10:40 AM CDT. Minneapolis is the best major city in the lower 48 for this eclipse.

4. Duluth, Minnesota — Approximately 15-18% obscuration. If you can get to northeastern Minnesota, the viewing improves significantly over the Twin Cities.

5. Bangor, Maine — Approximately 12-14% obscuration, maximum around 5:45 AM EDT (near sunrise). Bangor offers the best New England viewing, though the early timing presents challenges.

6. Burlington, Vermont — Approximately 10-12% obscuration, maximum near sunrise around 5:45 AM EDT. Like Bangor, the eclipse happens very early in the morning.

7. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan — Approximately 12% obscuration. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan gets solid coverage for the lower 48.

8. Boston, Massachusetts — Approximately 8-10% obscuration, maximum around 5:50 AM EDT. Boston viewers will see the eclipse right around sunrise.

9. New York City, New York — Approximately 6-8% obscuration, maximum around 5:50 AM EDT. NYC gets a modest partial near sunrise.

10. Chicago, Illinois — Approximately 5-7% obscuration, maximum around 10:35 AM CDT. Chicago is the southern edge of meaningful Midwest viewing.

Why Anchorage Dominates US Viewing

Anchorage’s advantage comes down to simple geometry. The path of totality passes through the Arctic, and Alaska is the closest US territory to that path. The closer you are to the path of totality, the deeper the partial eclipse you experience. At 27.91% obscuration, Anchorage viewers will see a clear, unmistakable chunk of the Sun missing at maximum eclipse.

Reddit users on r/solareclipse describe a 25-30% partial eclipse as still being cool but very different from totality. Through eclipse glasses, you will see a dramatic crescent Sun. Without equipment, you may notice a slight flattening of the Sun’s usual glare, but daylight will look essentially normal.

City-by-City Eclipse Timing for Major US Locations

Timing varies significantly by location because the eclipse happens at different local times across US time zones. Here are approximate maximum eclipse times for major cities in the viewing zone:

Anchorage, AK: Partial begins 6:47 AM, maximum 8:22 AM, ends 10:02 AM (AKDT)

Minneapolis, MN: Partial begins 9:23 AM, maximum 10:40 AM, ends 12:00 PM (CDT)

Chicago, IL: Partial begins 9:30 AM, maximum 10:35 AM, ends 11:43 AM (CDT)

Des Moines, IA: Partial begins 9:25 AM, maximum 10:34 AM, ends 11:45 AM (CDT)

Boston, MA: Partial begins 4:46 AM, maximum 5:50 AM, ends 7:00 AM (EDT)

New York, NY: Partial begins 4:51 AM, maximum 5:50 AM, ends 7:00 AM (EDT)

Philadelphia, PA: Partial begins 4:53 AM, maximum 5:49 AM, ends 6:59 AM (EDT)

Burlington, VT: Partial begins 4:44 AM, maximum 5:46 AM, ends 6:56 AM (EDT)

Note that on the East Coast, the eclipse occurs right around sunrise, which means you will need a clear eastern horizon to view it. In Alaska and the Midwest, the eclipse happens during normal daytime hours with the Sun higher in the sky.

When to Watch: Eclipse Timing by US Region

The August 12 2026 partial solar eclipse occurs at very different local times depending on where you are in the United States. Understanding your regional timing is critical for catching the event at maximum coverage.

Alaska Timing

In Alaska, the eclipse is a mid-morning event. The partial phase begins around 6:47 AM AKDT in Anchorage, reaches maximum at 8:22 AM, and ends around 10:02 AM. The Sun will be relatively low in the eastern sky during the first part of the eclipse, climbing to about 20 degrees above the horizon at maximum. This timing is actually quite favorable because the Sun is high enough to clear most terrain and buildings.

Midwest Timing

In the Midwest, the eclipse happens during late morning. Minneapolis sees maximum eclipse at about 10:40 AM CDT, with the entire event spanning from about 9:23 AM to 12:00 PM. Chicago’s maximum is slightly earlier at 10:35 AM. The Sun will be well up in the sky, making viewing straightforward if skies are clear.

New England and Mid-Atlantic Timing

The East Coast timing is the most challenging. In Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, maximum eclipse occurs between 5:46 AM and 5:50 AM EDT, which is right around sunrise. The partial phase technically begins before the Sun rises, meaning you will only see the later portion of the eclipse as the Sun comes up above the eastern horizon.

This sunrise timing creates both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, you need an unobstructed eastern horizon. On the other hand, photographing a partially eclipsed Sun rising over the horizon can produce striking images. Forum users on cloudynights.com have discussed the photographic potential of this sunrise eclipse scenario.

How Long Does the Partial Eclipse Last?

The total duration of the partial phase is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from first contact to last contact at most US locations. However, the visually interesting portion, when the Moon’s coverage is large enough to notice, is much shorter. In Anchorage, you get about 45 minutes of clearly visible partial eclipse around maximum. In the Midwest, expect about 20-30 minutes of noticeable coverage. On the East Coast, the window is compressed because much of the eclipse happens before sunrise.

What the Partial Eclipse Will Actually Look Like

One of the most common questions I see in eclipse forums is what a partial solar eclipse actually looks like to the naked eye. The answer depends heavily on your obscuration percentage.

At 27% Obscuration (Anchorage)

Through eclipse glasses, you will see a dramatic crescent Sun. Roughly a quarter of the solar disc will be blocked by the Moon, creating a clear bite shape on one side. This is unmistakable and very satisfying to observe. The daylight around you, however, will look essentially normal. Human eyes adapt to brightness changes so effectively that a 27% reduction in sunlight is barely perceptible without instruments.

At 10-15% Obscuration (Midwest, New England)

Through eclipse glasses, you will see a smaller but still clear bite taken from the Sun. The crescent shape will be subtle but visible. Without eclipse glasses, you will not notice anything different about the daylight or your surroundings. This level of coverage is worth watching through a solar filter but will not produce any ambient effects.

At 5% Obscuration (Mid-Atlantic, Chicago)

Through eclipse glasses, you will see a small notch or dent in the Sun’s edge. It is detectable but not dramatic. Many casual viewers at this obscuration level might not even realize an eclipse is happening unless they are specifically looking for it with proper equipment.

At 1-3% Obscuration (Southern Fringe)

Even through eclipse glasses, the eclipse is barely perceptible. You might see the tiniest shadow on the Sun’s edge at maximum, but it requires careful observation. For most viewers in this zone, the eclipse is effectively invisible.

Will the Sky Get Darker?

No, not from anywhere in the United States during this eclipse. Daylight darkening from a partial eclipse typically becomes noticeable at around 75-80% obscuration or higher. Since the maximum US obscuration is only 27.91% in Anchorage, there will be no perceptible change in daylight anywhere in the country. The dramatic sky-darkening effects that people associate with eclipses only happen during total eclipses or very deep partial eclipses above 90% coverage.

This is an important point because many people who experienced the April 2024 total solar eclipse may expect similar effects. The August 2026 event will not deliver darkness, temperature drops, or animal behavior changes from US soil. It is a telescope-and-eclipse-glasses event, not a sensory spectacle.

How to Watch Safely: Eclipse Glasses and Viewing Methods

Eye safety is the single most important consideration for viewing any solar eclipse, including a partial one. The Sun is never safe to look at directly without proper filtration, and the fact that the Moon is partially covering it does not make it any less dangerous.

The Eclipse Glasses Requirement

You must use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to look at the Sun during this partial eclipse. These are specially designed solar viewers that block 99.999% of visible light and harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are nowhere near sufficient and will cause permanent eye damage if used to view the Sun.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that looking at the Sun without proper protection can cause solar retinopathy, a condition where the retina is permanently damaged by concentrated solar radiation. There is no pain associated with this damage because the retina has no pain receptors, so you would not even know it is happening until vision loss occurs hours later.

How to Verify Your Eclipse Glasses Are Safe

Only purchase eclipse glasses from reputable manufacturers who carry the ISO 12312-2 certification. Check that the manufacturer name appears on the glasses and verify it against the American Astronomical Society’s list of safe vendors. Inspect the filters for scratches, pinholes, or tears before use, and discard any damaged glasses immediately.

If you still have eclipse glasses from the April 2024 total solar eclipse, check them carefully for damage. Some manufacturers state that solar filters degrade over time, so glasses older than three years may need replacement. When in doubt, buy new ones.

Pinhole Projector: A DIY Alternative

If you cannot get eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector is a safe and easy DIY alternative. Poke a small hole in a piece of cardboard, hold it up so sunlight passes through the hole, and project the image onto a flat surface about two feet behind it. You will see a small inverted image of the Sun, and during the eclipse, you will see the bite taken out of it.

This method is completely safe because you never look at the Sun directly. It is also a great activity for families and school groups. Reddit users on r/solareclipse frequently share creative pinhole projector designs, including using colanders, overlapping fingers, or tree leaves to create natural pinholes.

Telescope and Camera Safety

If you plan to photograph the eclipse or view it through a telescope or binoculars, you must use a front-mounted solar filter designed for your specific equipment. Never use eclipse glasses combined with a telescope or binoculars, as the concentrated light will melt the filter and damage your eyes instantly. Eyepiece-mounted solar filters are also dangerous because the concentrated heat can crack them.

For cameras, use a dedicated solar filter on the front of your lens. Solar photography requires specific ND 5.0 or darker filters to prevent sensor damage. Forum users on cloudynights.com recommend practicing your setup before eclipse day so you are not fumbling with equipment while the eclipse is happening.

Weather and Cloud Cover Outlook for August

Weather is the wildcard for any eclipse viewing, and August brings specific challenges for different US regions. Historical cloud cover data from climate records gives us a sense of what to expect, though actual conditions on August 12 will vary.

Alaska Cloud Cover Concerns

Alaska has the best eclipse magnitude but the worst weather odds. August is part of Alaska’s wetter season, and historical data shows Anchorage averages about 65-75% cloud cover in mid-August. Reddit users on r/solareclipse consistently cite this as the biggest risk for Alaska-based viewing. You might get skunked completely if a marine layer rolls in off the Cook Inlet.

If you are committed to Alaska, consider interior locations like Fairbanks, which tend to have somewhat better clearing odds than coastal Anchorage. The Fairbanks area sees approximately 50-55% cloud cover in August, giving you slightly better chances of clear skies.

Midwest Weather Prospects

The Midwest in August typically offers decent viewing odds. Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Chicago average about 30-40% cloud cover in mid-August, meaning you have a roughly 60-70% chance of at least partially clear skies. Morning thunderstorms are possible but tend to clear by mid-morning, which aligns well with the eclipse timing.

New England and Mid-Atlantic Weather

August on the East Coast brings humidity and haze, which can reduce transparency even when skies are technically clear. Boston and New York average 40-50% cloud cover in mid-August. Morning fog is also a concern, especially in valleys and coastal areas, which is particularly problematic given that the eclipse occurs right at sunrise.

The sunrise timing actually helps here because morning fog often burns off quickly. But if the eclipse maximum is at 5:50 AM, you are battling the worst fog window of the day. Coastal locations may struggle more than inland spots.

Planning for Weather Flexibility

The standard advice from experienced eclipse chasers is to have mobility. If you can drive 50-100 miles to find a clearing in the clouds, your odds improve dramatically. Check satellite imagery and weather models starting about 48 hours before the eclipse. NOAA’s GOES satellite imagery and services like ClearOutside.com provide real-time cloud cover forecasts that can help you position yourself in the best possible spot on eclipse morning.

The 2026 and 2027 Eclipse Pair: What Comes Next

The August 2026 eclipse is the first of two consecutive total solar eclipses that will bookend a 12-month period. On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will occur, and this one will have a much more significant impact on the United States.

The August 2 2027 total solar eclipse path of totality will cross southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East. However, a partial phase will be visible across much of the contiguous United States. According to early NASA data, the 2027 eclipse will produce partial visibility across nearly the entire lower 48, with the best viewing in the southeastern United States.

This 2026 and 2027 pair has eclipse chasers on Reddit particularly excited. Two total solar eclipses in consecutive years is relatively rare, and the 2027 event is sometimes called the longest eclipse of the century, with maximum totality exceeding six minutes in parts of Egypt and Libya. If you miss the 2026 partial from your state, the 2027 event gives you another chance the following year.

For those who experienced the April 8 2024 total solar eclipse across the US, these next two eclipses extend a remarkable run of solar eclipse visibility for North America. After 2027, the next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous US does not occur until 2044.

FAQs

Conclusion

The August 2026 partial solar eclipse gives 25 US states a chance to see the Moon take a bite out of the Sun, with Alaska getting the best show at nearly 28% coverage. Whether you are in Anchorage, Minneapolis, or Boston, grab your ISO-certified eclipse glasses, check the weather forecast, and step outside on August 12 to catch this celestial event. It may be a partial from US soil, but it is the only solar eclipse we will see until 2027, so make the most of it.