Total Solar Eclipse August 12: Path, Timing and Viewing Guide

On the evening of August 12, the Moon will slide in front of the Sun and completely cover it.

This is called a total solar eclipse.

The sky will turn dark for a minute or two along a thin path across parts of Europe.

Spain is the best place to watch, because it is the only crowded area in the path of the full eclipse.

People in parts of Iceland and Portugal will also see the Sun fully covered.

In other places like Dublin, Paris and London, the Moon will cover most of the Sun, but not all of it.

In New York and Chicago, only a tiny part of the Sun will be hidden.

People in India will not see it at all, because it happens in the middle of their night.

This night is extra special because the peak of the Perseid meteor shower happens at the same time, so skywatchers can see shooting stars right after the eclipse.

The Moon also looks a little bigger than usual, which makes the eclipse last a bit longer.