Astronomers predict optimal viewing conditions in the northwest region of the country
Category: Local News
On the evening of August 12, 2026, skywatchers in Romania will be treated to one of the year's most spectacular astronomical events—a partial solar eclipse. As the moon veils part of the sun, residents in the western and northwestern parts of the country will have the best views, particularly in areas with unobstructed horizons.
The eclipse is expected to begin around 20:20 local time, just before sunset, with the maximum coverage occurring shortly thereafter. According to the Astronomical Observatory "Amiral Vasile Urseanu," the moon will obscure up to approximately one-third of the solar disk during this celestial phenomenon.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the eclipse, the best vantage point in Romania will be Beba Veche, located in Timiș County, where the moon is anticipated to cover about 38% of the sun's apparent surface. This area is geographically positioned to provide optimal viewing conditions, according to the Observatory's data.
Other cities that will experience notable coverage include Carei, where the eclipse will commence at 20:21, peaking at 20:45 with a maximum coverage of 34.2%. Salonta and Oradea will see similar percentages, with coverage projected at 33.3% and 33.2%, respectively. Satu Mare is expected to witness around 32.1% coverage, and Arad will experience a similar effect with 31.1% coverage. Timișoara will have a maximum of 28.5% coverage, starting at 20:24.
As observers move eastward, the duration and extent of the eclipse will diminish significantly. In northern Moldova, for example, coverage will drop to just 9.3% in Suceava, 7.6% in Botoșani, and a mere 4.9% in Pașcani. In Brașov, only 2.7% of the sun will be obscured, and in Craiova, the coverage will be about 4.5%. Notably, residents of Bucharest and southeastern Romania will not be able to see the eclipse at all, as the sun will set before the partial phase begins.
As exciting as a solar eclipse can be, safety is of utmost importance. Astronomers warn that looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage, and this risk increases when using telescopes or binoculars without proper filters. Adrian Șonka, an astronomer at the Astronomical Observatory "Amiral Vasile Urseanu," emphasizes, "Observing a solar eclipse requires strict safety measures, as looking directly at the solar disk can cause severe retinal damage, leading to irreversible effects, including permanent vision loss. Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection and should not be used for eclipse viewing."
To safely observe the eclipse, viewers should use solar filters or eclipse glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2, purchased from reliable sources. Regular sunglasses, smoked glass, photographic film, X-rays, or colored sheets do not offer sufficient protection. For telescopes and binoculars, solar filters must be mounted in front of the lens before observations begin.
Coinciding with the eclipse, the night of August 12 will also mark the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, one of the most anticipated celestial events of the year. The new moon will provide perfect conditions for viewing, as the absence of moonlight allows for clearer skies. In areas away from city lights, stargazers can expect to see dozens of meteors per hour, adding to the astronomical excitement of the evening.
NASA describes the combination of the solar eclipse, the new moon, and the Perseid meteor shower as the primary astronomical event of August. For those unable to witness the eclipse in person due to weather conditions or geographic limitations, NASA will provide a live stream starting at 20:15 local time, featuring images from the path of totality where the sun will be completely obscured.
It's important to clarify that the eclipse will be classified as total, but this totality will only be visible within a narrow band that crosses northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain, and a small portion of Portugal. Within this strip, the moon will completely cover the sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Cities such as Reykjavík, León, and Valencia will experience this totality, making them prime locations for eclipse chasers.
In Romania, the experience will be different. The sun will not be completely obscured at any point, and the eclipse will last only a short time as the sun sets before the moon completes its pass across the solar disk. Observers in Carei will have about 26 minutes to enjoy the event, but those in central and eastern regions will have only a few minutes of visibility. As the sun dips low on the horizon, even a clear sky can be obstructed by clouds, buildings, or hills, making the experience less dramatic than in areas of totality.
As the excitement builds for this partial solar eclipse, the public is reminded to prepare adequately for safe viewing and to embrace the broader cosmic events occurring simultaneously. With the right precautions in place, the evening of August 12 will likely be a memorable one for astronomy enthusiasts across Romania.