New Yorkers will have an opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse today, Wednesday, August 12, as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun during one of the most anticipated astronomical events of 2026.
New York City lies outside the path of totality, but residents will still see the Moon partially obscure the Sun. According to NASA timing reported by ABC7 New York, the eclipse is expected to reach its maximum in New York City at approximately 1:54 p.m. Eastern Time.
The event is part of a much larger total solar eclipse sweeping across sections of the Northern Hemisphere. NASA says totality will be visible along a narrow path crossing Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small portion of Portugal, while a much wider region—including parts of North America—will experience a partial eclipse.
For New Yorkers, the Sun will not disappear completely. Instead, observers will see part of its bright disk covered by the Moon as the eclipse progresses across the afternoon sky.
Authorities are emphasizing that proper eye protection is essential. Because New York will experience only a partial eclipse, viewers should never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or another safe solar-viewing method. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection, and cameras, binoculars and telescopes require appropriate solar filters.
The eclipse is expected to attract skywatchers across New York City, provided weather conditions allow clear views. NASA is also providing live coverage of the eclipse beginning at 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time, allowing viewers to follow totality from locations directly beneath the Moon’s shadow.
For New York, today’s event offers a rare afternoon spectacle: a partial glimpse of a solar eclipse whose most dramatic moments will unfold thousands of miles away across the North Atlantic and Europe.
