While the path of totality for the August 12 solar eclipse sweeps across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and parts of Portugal, skywatchers in northern regions of North America can still catch a partial view of the event.
Following major total solar eclipses in recent years, this event marks Europe’s first encounter with totality since 1999. However, select locations across the northern United States and Canada will observe a partial eclipse as the moon obstructs a portion of the sun, says the AP.
Read more about this topic: Solar eclipse: Viewing guide on what to look for and where to watch
Coverage varies significantly depending on location, with St. John’s, Newfoundland, experiencing over 50 percent coverage, while cities further south such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., will see single-digit percentages around early afternoon.
Astronomy experts emphasize that proper certified eclipse glasses must be worn at all times to safely view the sun during a partial eclipse. With the next coast-to-coast total eclipse in North America not expected until 2045, this celestial alignment offers skywatchers a brief opportunity to view the lunar transit.
