A solar eclipse is one of the most dazzling celestial phenomena that you can experience from Earth. It occurs when Earth, the moon and sun are aligned on the same plane, with the moon passing in front of the sun to cast a shadow on the planet below.
During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, which results in a period of "totality," when the moon completely blocks the light from the sun. This causes evening-like darkness during the daytime, as the center of the moon's dark shadow falls over Earth. Viewers do not experience totality during a partial solar eclipse, when the moon only blocks a portion of the sun's disk.
-
Where to buy last-minute solar eclipse glasses and viewing gear before August 12A partial eclipse is still worth seeing, but only with the right protection. Here's where you can still find eclipse glasses, solar binoculars and filters before eclipse day.
optics -
Why the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse appears to move backwardWhile eclipse paths always move from west to east, this one seems to reverse direction on maps as it crosses the Arctic. Here's the geometry behind the illusion.
the-sun -
How to make a solar eclipse viewer to safely watch the solar eclipse on August 12Don't have a pair of eclipse glasses to view the August 12 solar eclipse? No sweat; you can make a safe and simple DIY eclipse viewer with a box, some tinfoil, and a few household craft supplies.
the-sun -
Solar eclipse glasses: Where to buy a safe, certified pair before the August 12 eclipseYou MUST wear protective eyewear to view a partial solar eclipse like the one on August 12. Here's how to find a pair of certified solar eclipse glasses from an approved vendor.
the-sun -
Why Aug. 12 could be the greatest single day and night for skywatchers for yearsA solar eclipse, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, Venus at dichotomy and the Milky Way at its annual best will create one of 2026's best days for skywatching.
the-sun -
Catch an orange 'Buck Moon' rise tonight before a month of solar and lunar eclipsesJuly's full moon will be at its best on the night of July 29. It's the last regular full moon before a total solar eclipse and partial lunar eclipse in August.
the-moon -
7 ways to photograph the 2026 total solar eclipse — from smartphone to telescopeWhether you're carrying a phone, a mirrorless camera or a smart telescope, here are some tried and tested ways to capture the Aug. 12, 2026, total solar eclipse.
optics -
Best solar viewing gear 2026: Everything you need to watch the Aug. 12 eclipseFrom affordable eclipse glasses to premium solar telescopes, these are the best products to safely enjoy the Aug. 12 solar eclipse
tech-gadgets -
Best solar eclipse glasses: Safe viewing for the Aug 12 eclipseWatch the Aug. 12 solar eclipse safely with our expert picks of the best eclipse glasses, all designed for solar viewing.
optics
