Why August 12 total solar eclipse is so special?

The last total solar eclipse occurred two years ago and once again millions of people will have the opportunity to witness this rare celestial event.

This year’s eclipse is particularly special because some observers will see the total solar eclipse at sunset making it an exceptionally rare and breathtaking sight.

According to NASA, the total solar eclipse will occur on August 12 but only a limited number of countries will experience totality. People in Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal will be able to witness the total eclipse.

In Spain, the eclipse will coincide with sunset creating a spectacular view that is expected to captivate skywatchers. A partial solar eclipse will also be visible across many other parts of Europe and Africa including most European countries and several regions of North Africa.

Russia will enjoy another rare phenomenon as a partial eclipse will be visible at both sunrise and sunset. On the remote Taymyr Peninsula, the partial eclipse will begin at sunrise while in another part of the country it will be seen at sunset.

Solar eclipses occurring at sunset are extremely rare which is one of the reasons why this year’s event is considered so unique.

According to Pakistan Standard Time (PST), the partial solar eclipse will begin at 10:34 PM, the total eclipse will start at 12:12 AM and the event will conclude at 2:58 AM.