Nearly 2 1⁄2 years after space enthusiasts last saw a total solar eclipse, another is on its way, allowing U.S. viewers to see a partial glimpse of the phenomenon.

This year’s eclipse falls on Aug. 12, allowing people across most of Europe and in northwestern Africa to see the moon cover most of the sun. But for most people, including those in the United States, the moon will not completely block the sun, making this year’s eclipse partial, according to NASA’s website.

The lucky people in the United States able to view the partial solar eclipse this year include those from Alaska to North Carolina. People in Washington, DC, will also be able to see it.

In Alaska, the eclipse will happen in the morning, while those in the northern U.S. will be able to see it between midday and midafternoon, NASA said.

People near the center of the eclipse path in Greenland, Russia or the North Atlantic will experience the eclipse for a slightly longer period; most people will see the sun eclipsed for less than two minutes, according to NASA.

Here’s what else we know about this year’s eclipse.

What is a total solar eclipse? And is it safe to view?

A total eclipse occurs when the moon moves in front of the sun. The area where the total solar eclipse is visible is called a path of totality. 

During this period, people in the center of the moon’s shadow will be able to see a total solar eclipse, NASA said. 

Before and after totality, when the moon covers only part of the sun, NASA recommends viewers use eye protection such as solar viewing glasses (eclipse glasses), handheld solar viewers or other solar filters that block most of the sun’s light and protect the eyes from damage.

Those wanting to get a look at the eclipse can also make pinhole projectors using a cereal or shoe box, scissors, tape, aluminum foil and other supplies.

“Only during those brief moments of totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun’s bright face, can viewers look directly at the eclipse without eye protection,” NASA said.

Who will be able to see the partial solar eclipse, and when?

When viewers can see maximum coverage largely depends on where they are in the United States.

Scientists use percentages to measure the maximum area of the sun that the moon covers during eclipses, NASA said. U.S. cities with the most coverage for the Aug. 12 eclipse include Fairbanks, Alaska, at 37%; Anchorage, Alaska, at 28%; and Bangor, Maine, at 24%.

According to NASA, 10 U.S. cities where people can see the partial solar eclipse include:

Fairbanks, Alaska

• 37% coverage
• Visible from 7:37 a.m. to 9:18 a.m.
• Maximum coverage at 8:27 a.m.

Anchorage, Alaska

• 28% coverage
• Visible from 7:36 a.m. to 9:09 a.m.
• Maximum coverage at 8:21 a.m.

Bangor, Maine

• 24% coverage
• Visible from 12:54 p.m. to 2:49 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:53 p.m.

Portland, Maine

• 19% coverage
• Visible from 12:57 p.m. to 2:27 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:53 p.m.

Juneau, Alaska

• 17% coverage
• Visible from 7:41 a.m. to 9:08 a.m.
• Maximum coverage at 8:24 a.m.

Boston, Massachusetts

• 16% coverage
• Visible from 1:01 p.m. to 2:46 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:55 p.m.

New York, New York

• 9% coverage
• Visible from 1:07 p.m. to 2:38 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:54 p.m.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

• 7% coverage
• Visible from 1:11 p.m. to 2:35 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:53 p.m.

Washington, D.C. 

• 4% coverage
• Visible from 1:17 p.m. to 2:27 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:53 p.m.

Detroit, Michigan

• 3% coverage
• Visible from 1:03 p.m. to 2:08 p.m.
• Maximum coverage at 1:36 p.m.

NASA will host a live broadcast of the eclipse beginning at 1:15 p.m. ET on Aug. 12 on Amazon Prime, Facebook, Instagram, NASA+, Twitch, X and YouTube.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s trending team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.