![What Time Is the Solar Eclipse in Boston Today, August 12? Start Time and Visibility [FOTOS]](http://depor.com/resizer/v2/7C4LST56IJFH3L4CMMAJVC3JKM.png?auth=cd504e4ec5fba8ee92838d384a72653ec788fbf35bfd88c6094052e461273dec&width=980&height=528&quality=75&smart=true)
Boston will see a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The event begins at 1:01 p.m. EDT, reaches its maximum at 1:55 p.m., and ends at 2:46 p.m.; at its peak, the Moon will cover about 16% of the Sun. For Hispanic families and skywatchers in Boston, Massachusetts, this is a chance to safely watch a daytime astronomical event from home, a park, or another location with an unobstructed view of the sky. Keep in mind that Boston is not in the path of totality, so the sky will not become dark and eclipse glasses are required throughout the event.
Solar eclipse time in Boston today
The August 12, 2026 eclipse will be visible in Boston during the early afternoon. All times below are local time in Boston (EDT):
| Eclipse phase | Time in Boston | What you’ll see |
|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | 1:01 p.m. | A small “bite” begins to appear on the Sun |
| Maximum eclipse | 1:55 p.m. | About 16% of the Sun will be covered |
| Partial eclipse ends | 2:46 p.m. | The Moon moves fully away from the Sun |
NASA lists Boston among the U.S. cities that will see a partial eclipse on August 12. The visible event will last about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Is there a total solar eclipse in Boston?
No. Although August 12 brings a total solar eclipse to parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain, and a small section of Portugal, viewers in Boston will only see a partial eclipse.
That means the Moon will cross in front of only a portion of the Sun’s disk. The Sun will remain bright, so do not expect the dramatic darkness associated with totality.
How visible will the eclipse be in Massachusetts?
At the peak in Boston, approximately 16% of the Sun will be obscured by the Moon. The Sun will still be relatively high in the afternoon sky, which can make it easier to observe from a clear outdoor location—provided you use approved solar-viewing protection.
For Boston-area viewers, choose a spot with a wide view of the sky and minimal obstruction from tall buildings, trees, or rooftops. Cloud cover could affect visibility, so check your local weather forecast shortly before heading out.
Best viewing areas in Boston
There is no official “best” location, as the eclipse will be visible across the city. However, open areas may offer a more comfortable viewing experience:
- Boston Common and the Public Garden
- Charles River Esplanade
- Castle Island or other waterfront areas
- Open school fields, neighborhood parks, and backyards with clear skies
The key is a safe, unobstructed view of the Sun—not a specific neighborhood.
How to watch safely the solar eclipse
Because Boston will experience a partial eclipse, it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper protection. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not protect your eyes during an eclipse.
Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer that complies with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Keep them on whenever you look toward the Sun during the event.
Do not look at the Sun through a phone camera, camera lens, binoculars, or telescope while wearing eclipse glasses. These optical devices concentrate sunlight and require a special-purpose solar filter attached to the front of the equipment.
If you do not have eclipse glasses, use an indirect method such as a pinhole projector. You can punch a small hole in a card and project the Sun’s image onto a light-colored surface with the Sun behind you. Do not look through the hole at the Sun.
Where to watch online the solar eclipse
NASA will offer a live eclipse broadcast beginning at 1:15 p.m. EDT on August 12, featuring views from locations along the eclipse path and interviews with experts. This is a useful option for viewers in Boston if weather conditions block the Sun or if you want to see totality from other parts of the world.
FAQ: Boston solar eclipse 2026
What time does the solar eclipse start in Boston?
The partial solar eclipse starts at 1:01 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
What time is the maximum eclipse in Boston?
The maximum eclipse occurs at 1:55 p.m. EDT. At that time, about 16% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon.
What time does the eclipse end in Boston?
The eclipse ends at 2:46 p.m. EDT.
Will Boston see a total solar eclipse today?
No. Boston will see only a partial solar eclipse. The total phase will occur outside the United States, across areas including Greenland, Iceland, Spain, northern Russia, and a small part of Portugal.
Do I need eclipse glasses in Boston?
Yes. Since Boston is outside the path of totality, you must wear certified eclipse glasses or use a safe handheld solar viewer for the entire time you look at the Sun.
Can I watch the eclipse with regular sunglasses?
No. Regular sunglasses are not safe for solar viewing, regardless of how dark they are. NASA recommends ISO 12312-2-compliant eclipse glasses or a safe solar viewer.
