Total solar eclipse Aug. 12, 2026 live updates — 2 days to totality


Could the northern lights appear during the eclipse?

two panel image on the left is a total solar eclipse with the corona glowing like a while halo around the moon on the right is a beautiful green auroral corona - whereby it appears overhead and looks like it is reaching down toward the observer.

Could we see the northern lights during totality? (Image credit: Left: Canva Pro. Right: Daisy Dobrijevic)

It’s one of the questions we’ve seen pop up a fair bit ahead of Aug. 12.

For observers above the Arctic Circle, since totality briefly turns day into twilight, could they also see the northern lights?

Just 2 days to go! What time should you look up?

total solar eclipse phases with a clock graphic covering the center image of totality to convey the what time is the solar eclipse theme of the article.

The eclipse doesn’t happen at the same time everywhere. Knowing exactly when the partial eclipse begins and when totality occurs is the most important part of planning your day. Read more: What time is the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026? (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)
a woman wearing a yellow hat smiles under the blue light of the polar night.

Daisy Dobrijevic is currently sailing aboard HX Expeditions’ MS Spitsbergen on an expedition from Svalbard, Norway, to East Greenland. She’ll be reporting live as the expedition attempts to witness totality from the Arctic.

The citizen scientists keeping an eye on the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse

A composite image showing totality as the lunar disk hides the face of the sun. Images are stacked diagonally either side showing the moon and sun just before and after totality.

Two teams of Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast volunteers with observe totality on Aug. 12. (Image credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/VW Pics/UIG via Getty Images)

Countless eyes will be watching the moon’s silhouette swallow the light of our parent star during the climactic phase of totality on Aug. 12.

Among them will be volunteers from the Dynamic Eclipse Broadcast Initiative — a passion-driven volunteer network of solar observers led by professional astronomers from the Southern Illinois University Carbondale and part funded by NASA.

Have you sorted your eclipse glasses yet?

A pair of eclipse glasses are held up close to the sun, which shines in a blue sky.

Sunglasses are vital to safely view the partial stages of a solar eclipse. (Image credit: Photo by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP via Getty Images)

If you’ll be looking at any part of the partial eclipse, you’ll need proper eye protection. Never look directly at the sun without certified eye protection.

Don’t have eclipse glasses? You can still safely enjoy the eclipse using simple projection methods with everyday household objects.

Do clouds ruin a total solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is seen through the clouds on April 8, 2024 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

Clouds won’t necessarily sour your eclipse expedition. (Image credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

One of the biggest worries before any eclipse is weather.

While a perfectly blue sky is ideal, you don’t necessarily need one to enjoy the experience. Even under thin clouds, many of the most dramatic effects of totality can still be visible.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

composite graphic image showing a location marker with a total solar eclipse image inside it, situated on top of a background showing earth viewed from space.

Find out where you can experience totality on Aug. 12, 2026. (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro)

Not everyone will experience totality on Aug. 12.

Some places will see the moon completely cover the sun, while others will experience a partial solar eclipse and for some… no eclipse at all. Womp womp.

Last call for eclipse glasses!

Get your solar eclipse glasses early; they always sell out before an eclipse.

Eclipse glasses must be worn whenever the sun’s disk is visible. (Image credit: LeoPatrizi / Getty Images)

If you’re planning on viewing the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse then you’ll need to get hold of a pair of quality eclipse glasses. Be sure to get a pair from a reputable dealer that conforms to the all important ISO 123-12 – 2 certification and never use an old pair if they appear scratched or damaged in any way!

Read More: Heading to Europe or the U.K. for the Aug. 12 solar eclipse? Best eclipse glasses to buy before you leave — or after you arrive.

Anthony is pictured standing next to his telescope.

Anthony Wood

Anthony Wood is reporting from Valoria la Beuna in northern Spain, where he’s joining the citizen science project DEB (Distributed Eclipse Broadcast) initiative. He’ll be attempting to witness totality as the eclipsed sun hangs low above the western horizon shortly before sunset.





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