“There is no other feeling like it.” “I burst into tears.” “Instant chills.” “Everybody should be watching.” Those are the first reactions featured in NASA’s new promotional video for the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse — and they perfectly capture why the agency is urging people around the world to tune in.
Two years after April 8, 2024’s North American eclipse, NASA is once again preparing to broadcast one of nature’s greatest spectacles live. This time, the moon’s shadow will sweep from northern Russia across Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a tiny corner of Portugal, offering millions in Europe another chance to witness the fleeting phenomenon of totality. This time, it will last for no more than 2 minutes 18 seconds.
The Moon’s Shadow Returns
Published on NASA’s YouTube channel on July 29, the short trailer puts the emotional impact of totality front and center. Rather than focusing first on science, the video opens with genuine reactions from eclipse observers, highlighting an experience that many describe as life-changing. They relate to the sudden feeling of syzygy — the alignment of the sun, the moon, and you — reported by eclipse chasers as the moon’s shadow sweeps across, suddenly revealing see the sun’s corona to the naked eye.
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, the path of totality will cross remote parts of the Northern Hemisphere, beginning over Greenland before reaching Iceland and later northern Spain, where millions of eclipse chasers are expected to gather.
Away from the narrow path, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across a vast region, including parts of the U.S. — from Alaska to North Carolina — most of Canada, much of Europe and northwestern Africa.
How NASA Will Broadcast The Eclipse
NASA will stream the eclipse live across multiple platforms, allowing viewers worldwide to experience totality regardless of weather or location.
Coverage begins at 1:15 p.m. EDT on Aug. 12, with totality reaching Iceland at 1:45 p.m. EDT before arriving in Spain at 2:28 p.m. EDT. The broadcast will feature live views from along the eclipse path together with commentary and interviews from NASA scientists and eclipse experts.
The livestream will be available through NASA’s streaming platforms, while viewers will also be able to submit questions to agency experts through social media during the event.
How the European Space Agency Will Broadcast The Eclipse
Although NASA might be live-streaming this eclipse, it’s an almost entirely European event. As such, the European Space Agency has also put out a trailer for its own live coverage. On Aug. 12, ESA will livestream the event from the Observatorio Astrofísico de Javalambre, within the path of totality in Spain, with scientists, astronomers and special guests exploring the science behind eclipses, the sun and their importance for space science and Earth.
North America Gets A Double Sky Show
While North America misses totality on Aug. 12, millions will still see a partial solar eclipse before darkness brings the year’s best meteor shower. The eclipse will be visible from Alaska, 26 U.S. states and every Canadian province and territory, with the deepest views in northern Maine (28%) and Nunavut (61%). Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the sun without certified safe solar eclipse glasses, viewers and filters.
Just hours later, the Perseid meteor shower will peak beneath almost perfectly moonless skies. Between 2:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. local time on Aug. 13, observers under dark skies could see 60 to 100 meteors per hour, including bright fireballs, making it one of the year’s finest nights for skywatching (clear skies allowing).
Where To Celebrate The Eclipse In California
Even though the path of totality won’t reach California, San Francisco will host one of the world’s most unusual eclipse events. On Aug. 12, the California Academy of Sciences and the SETI Institute will combine NASA’s live eclipse coverage from Iceland and Spain with a performance by the 35-member International Space Orchestra — made up of astronauts, scientists, engineers and researchers. Visitors can also hear talks from SETI scientists, ask questions during live Q&A sessions and learn how eclipses advance solar science. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. PDT and is included with regular museum admission.
“Even though the moon’s shadow won’t reach San Francisco, technology allows us to bring the eclipse to everyone,” said Dr. Franck Marchis, Senior Planetary Astronomer at the SETI Institute and CEO of SkyMapper, in an email. “By connecting live to observers across Europe, we’re turning a local astronomical event into a global shared experience where the public can witness the eclipse in real time, interact with scientists, and celebrate our common curiosity about the cosmos.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.