NASA is calling on the public to view the upcoming total solar eclipse on August 12. While the path of totality spans across Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain and Portugal, the agency intends to broadcast the event live for a global audience. This rare astronomical alignment will last for up to 2 minutes and 18 seconds, creating an experience many observers describe as life-changing.
Although most of North America will not see the moon fully block the sun, a partial eclipse will remain visible across much of the United States and Canada. NASA coverage begins at 1:15 p.m. EDT, featuring expert commentary and live feeds from the path of totality. This broadcast provides a way for viewers outside the direct path to witness the phenomenon.
Beyond the eclipse, skywatchers in North America have additional events to note. The Perseid meteor shower hits its peak on August 13, shortly after the eclipse occurs. With the moon phase favorable for viewing, this event offers a second opportunity for significant night-sky observations within a short timeframe.
San Francisco will host a unique event at the California Academy of Sciences, where the International Space Orchestra will perform alongside live streams of the eclipse. The event includes educational sessions with astronomers from the SETI Institute, bridging the distance between the local audience and the European path of totality through technology.