A total solar eclipse, scheduled for July 12, 2024, could be observed by approximately 15.2 million individuals. This population resides in the restricted area of the globe where the perfect alignment between the Sun, Moon and Earth allows the star to be completely hidden.
However, the visibility of the phenomenon increases considerably by including areas where the Moon will only cover a portion of the Sun. In these locations, around 980 million people, equivalent to 12% of the global population, will have the opportunity to partially follow the eclipse.
The zone of totality, where the Sun will be completely covered, will cover regions such as Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small part of Portugal.
On the other hand, the partial eclipse stage will have a much wider range. This visibility will extend across much of Europe, portions of North America, northern Asia, and northern and western Africa.
On the same topic: August 12 total solar eclipse turns day into night for 15 million in Europe
For observers in Brazil, however, the eclipse will not be visible, not even in its partial phase.
Understanding the phenomenon of total solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon positions itself between the Sun and the Earth, casting its shadow on our planet. When this interposition entirely blocks sunlight, the phenomenon is classified as a total solar eclipse, like the one seen in Europe.
Learn more: Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower peaks between July 30 and 31, 2026
On Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will cross Iceland and Spain. NASA will be there!
The U.S. won’t see totality this time, so we’re bringing the science to you. Follow along this week! ☀️https://t.co/gWolno6fNN pic.twitter.com/4ROPK2aHt9— NASA Solar System (@NASASolarSystem) August 5, 2026
This fundamental distinction clarifies why, although millions of individuals may witness some phase of the event, only a limited portion of the population will be in the area of totality.
More on this story: Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS travels at 58 km/s and will have its route altered by Jupiter
On the day of the eclipse, the maximum period during which the Sun will remain completely covered by the Moon will be approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds.
Curiosities about the eclipse that will take place
The astronomical event will begin on July 12th, with the partial phase starting at 12:34 pm, Brasília time. At this moment, the Moon will begin partial coverage of the Sun in the first place on the planet to be reached by the shadow.
The totality stage is scheduled to begin at 1:58 pm, while the peak of the eclipse will be reached around 2:46 pm.
It is important to note that these specific times do not represent the complete sequence that a single observer will see. They actually illustrate the progression of the eclipse across different locations on the globe. The key moments are:
- At 12:34 pm: marks the beginning of the partial eclipse at the first point on the planet to be touched by the lunar shadow.
- At 1:58 pm: totality begins at the first place where the Moon completely covers the Sun.
- At 2:46 pm: this is the moment of global maximum, when the alignment between the Sun, Moon and Earth reaches its greatest precision during the phenomenon.
In each of the affected locations, the period of total darkness from the Sun will only last a few minutes.
Learn more: Partial lunar eclipse darkens 93% of the satellite and receives NASA broadcast
Although the eclipse will not be visible in Brazil, the public will be able to follow the astronomical spectacle through online broadcasts. NASA and the National Observatory (ON) plan to cover the event live, with images captured from various points along the eclipse’s path and comments from experts.
For those in visible areas, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines. You should never look directly at the Sun without appropriate protection, not even during phases in which the eclipse is partial.
Equipment such as common glasses, cameras, binoculars and telescopes without specific solar filters do not offer the necessary protection for the eyes and can cause irreversible damage.