How to see this week's eclipse (and the next big one)

August 11, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with a partial eclipse visible across much of Europe, Africa, and North America. For those who cannot make it to the path of totality, the wait for the next U.S. coast-to-coast total eclipse stretches to August 12, 2045. But as eclipse chaser and author David Barron explains, the experience of standing in the moon's shadow is worth planning for: "A total solar eclipse is the closest thing to space travel that you can experience without leaving the surface of the Earth."

How a total solar eclipse works

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on the planet's surface. The narrow central region where the moon completely blocks the sun is called the umbra (Latin for "shadow"), and the strip of land or sea where this happens is the path of totality. Outside that path, observers see only a partial eclipse, because they lie in the larger, fainter shadow called the penumbra. The difference is stark: in the umbra, day turns to night for a few minutes; in the penumbra, the sun appears only partly covered.

Viewing safely and what to expect

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What you'll learn

1 (00:38) **Tomorrow's Eclipse: Where and What to Expect** - Regina Barber and Hannah Chin set up the episode: a total solar eclipse visible in Greenland, Iceland, Northern Spain, and a sliver of Portugal.
2 (04:14) **How a Solar Eclipse Works: Umbra vs. Penumbra** - Regina explains the mechanics of the moon's shadow and the difference between a total and partial eclipse.
3 (05:25) **Critical Safety: Never Look at the Sun Without Protection** - Eye specialist Ralph Chu explains the permanent damage that can result from staring at the sun during an eclipse.
4 (06:35) **Strange Light Effects Before Totality** - David Barron describes how the slow dimming of sunlight creates eerie visual phenomena in the landscape.
5 (07:55) **Weird Shadows and Pinhole Projectors** - The conversation covers the bizarre shadow effects that appear as totality approaches.
6 (08:40) **The Magic of Totality: Seeing the Solar Corona** - The moment of totality arrives, and it's safe to look directly at the sun's outer atmosphere.
7 (09:41) **Why Tomorrow's Eclipse is Rare: A Sunset Event** - The timing of this eclipse makes it special and creates a unique viewing challenge.

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Show Notes

During a total solar eclipse the world around you is very different. The sun gets totally blotted out and suddenly, it feels like night time. The temperature drops. Birds stop singing. These surreal celestial events happen every year or so around the globe – including tomorrow. To get you prepped, we’re talking to eclipse chasers about what makes these few minutes of darkness worthwhile and break down how to view an eclipse. That includes using special specs, so we’re linking the American Astronomical Society’s list of trustworthy eclipse glasses.

To nerd out even more, check out NASA’s eclipse website.

Interested in more space news? Email us your question at [email protected] and we may cover it in an upcoming segment.

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