A total solar eclipse will take over the skies in some countries as the moon and sun align on Wednesday, Aug. 12. But the celestial phenomenon will only be partially visible in the United States.

Areas of Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, Russia and Spain will witness Wednesday’s total solar eclipse as the path of totality will move across most of Europe and northwestern Africa, according to NASA.

In the United States, the moon will not completely block the sun during the event, allowing some a glimpse at a partial eclipse, not a total one. NASA says the sun will look like a cookie with a small bite taken out of it in the United States.

According to NASA, a partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the three are not perfectly lined up. Instead, only part of the sun will appear to be covered, creating a crescent shape.

Here’s how to watch the partial and total solar eclipse.

How to watch the total solar eclipse

NASA will offer live coverage of the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 on its website and YouTube channel. The organization said its coverage will feature “telescope views, footage from a WB-57 high-altitude research aircraft chasing the Moon’s shadow (and) expert commentary.”

NASA’s coverage is expected to go live at 1:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

USA TODAY will also offer live coverage of the eclipse on its website and social media channels.

What time is the total solar eclipse?

Totality is expected to begin in Iceland at 1:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 12, according to NASA.

Which US states will the partial solar eclipse be visible in?

The following states, along with Washington, DC, will be able to see the partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, according to previous USA TODAY reporting and National Eclipse, which provides eclipse information:

• Alaska
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, DC
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Contributing: Melina Khan, Saleen Martin, and Julia Gomez, USA TODAY

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.