Partial Solar Eclipse Covers 85 Percent of Sun over Germany Evening of August 12
On the evening of August 12, the Moon will cover a large part of the Sun's disk in Germany, while the Sun is already low on the western horizon. In Berlin, the eclipse reaches its maximum around 8:08 p.m., while it is more pronounced in the southwest.
On the evening of August 12, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Germany that is considerably deeper than many observers expect. The Moon moves in front of most of the Sun's disk while the Sun is already sinking toward the west. Anyone who wants to watch the eclipse should therefore choose a location with a clear view to the west in good time.
According to NASA, the eclipse begins in Berlin at around 7:15 p.m. The maximum is reached at about 8:08 p.m., and the end is given as approximately 8:38 p.m. At its peak, about 85 percent of the Sun's surface is covered. This is therefore a deep partial eclipse, which, however, does not reach the extent of a total eclipse.
In southwestern Germany, the darkening is more pronounced. The region lies closer to the zone of totality, which runs across Spain. In Waldshut-Tiengen near the Swiss border, the partial phase begins at around 7:24 p.m., and the maximum is reached there later than in Berlin. The differences between north and south result from the geometry of the eclipse and the position of the Sun in the sky.
It is important to note that a percentage figure from eclipse apps does not mean that the Sun actually appears as dark at that location as many observers assume. The Sun's altitude and the brightness of the sky in the evening are decisive. Regardless of location, the Sun should not be looked at directly without a suitable protective filter.
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