Why you don't need a perfectly clear sky to enjoy the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12

Are you ready for the eclipse? Whether you're bound for the path of totality or set to see a partial eclipse from Europe, Canada or the northeast U.S. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, there's a dirty word eclipse chasers hate to utter during an eclipse season, and yet become completely obsessed with — clouds. Related: Total solar eclipse 2026 — Everything you need to knowWe all start behaving as though Earth's atmosphere owes us something. After spending years studying the climate and where it