All About the August 2026 Solar Eclipse

If you’ve heard about the upcoming solar eclipse on August 12 and are hoping to catch a glimpse from South Carolina, we have some disappointing news: the eclipse won’t be visible in the Palmetto State.  

The excitement surrounding the eclipse is understood, but unlike the unforgettable solar eclipse that crossed South Carolina in 2017, this year’s event will take place thousands of miles away.  

Total solar eclipses are only visible with a narrow path, typically between 75 and 150 miles wide, where the moon completely blocks the sun. Anyone outside of that path won’t experience totality.  

As SCSM Observatory Dr. Matthew Whitehouse explains, the path of totality for the August 12 eclipse will begin in far northern Russia. From there, it will pass near the North Pole, travel between Iceland and Greenland and continue across northern Spain. Those destinations are expected to offer some of the best views of the eclipse.  

While parts of the northeastern United States may experience a very shallow partial eclipse, the moon will cover only a tiny portion of the sun. The change will be subtle, with little to no noticeable impact on daylight, and anyone viewing the partial eclipse must wear certified eclipse glasses.  

Unfortunately, South Carolina is well outside the eclipse’s viewing area, which means residents won’t be able to see any portion of it.  

BUT…ANOTHER CELESTIAL EVENT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!