Although the Aug. 12 event is classified as a total solar eclipse, the total phase will not reach the United States. A composite image of the total solar eclipse seen from the Lowell Observatory Solar Eclipse Experience Aug. 21, 2017, in Madras, Oregon. How to see the eclipse safelyBecause the eclipse will remain partial throughout the Northeast, viewers must use safe solar-viewing glasses or a handheld solar viewer the entire time. Partial lunar eclipse Aug. 27-28A partial lunar eclipse will also be visible from the Americas overnight Aug. 27 into Aug. 28. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed directly without special glasses or other protective equipment.