When the eclipse begins near you
The start time of today’s solar eclipse depends on your exact location, but the event begins with a partial phase 1–2 hours before maximum coverage. If you are within the path of annularity or totality, the partial (“first contact”) typically occurs in midmorning to early afternoon local time, with exact clock times shifting by latitude and longitude. Check current local time and your coordinates, then consult an eclipse map or calculator for the precise start for your city. (Remember: never look directly at the Sun without certified solar eclipse glasses.)
How to find today’s exact start time for your location
Quick steps to determine local start time
- Confirm today’s date and your time zone (e.g., EDT, PDT, BST, IST).
- Identify your city or coordinates to anchor the calculation.
- Use an authoritative eclipse website or app (e.g., timeanddate.com, NASA Eclipse website) for a live local table of contact times.
- Plan for partial start (P1) and for any annularity/totality window if you are within the centerline.
Today’s eclipse path basics
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. For today’s event, the geometry produces either a partial eclipse visible across a wide region or, if the alignment is favorable, an annular or total eclipse along a narrow path. The path is typically thousands of kilometers long but only tens to a couple of hundred kilometers wide. Major cities may experience a partial eclipse with modest coverage, while locations along the centerline see dramatic coverage (annularity or totality).
Path elements at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Eclipse type | Partial (possibly annular/total along path) | NASA/Observational |
| Path width (typical) | ~100–270 km for annular/total | Observational range |
| Path length | ~8,000–12,000 km | Observational range |
| Partial eclipse visibility | Hundreds to thousands of kilometers beyond path | Observational |
| Magnitude at max | Varies by location; up to 1.0+ for totality | Eclipse calculator |
Understanding eclipse timing terms
Key contact points
- First contact (P1): The moment the Moon first touches the Sun’s disk — the official start of the eclipse.
- Second contact (P2): For annular/total paths, when the last bit of direct sunlight disappears and annularity/totality begins.
- Maximum eclipse: Greatest coverage or “ring of fire” / “diamond ring” moment.
- Third contact (P3): Totality or annularity ends; partial phases resume.
- Fourth contact (P4): The Moon fully leaves the Sun; the eclipse ends locally.
Practical viewing guidance today
- Check a reputable local source for exact times; do not rely on generic lists without your city/coordinates.
- Use ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses or a proper handheld solar viewer for partial phases.
- Do not look at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun through unfiltered cameras, binoculars, or telescopes without certified solar filters.
- If weather is uncertain, consider a live webcast from observatories or space agencies for safe indirect viewing.
Common questions about today’s eclipse start time
What if my city isn’t on the path of annularity/totality?
You will still experience a partial eclipse. The start time is earlier and the coverage lower; using an eclipse calculator for your coordinates will give a precise local start and maximum coverage percentage.
Can I use my smartphone or camera without a solar filter?
No. Even with a solar filter attached to a telephoto lens, unfiltered devices pointed at the Sun can be damaged. For direct viewing, only use certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers.
How long does the partial phase last before and after maximum?
The partial phase spans roughly 2–3 hours total, depending on geometry; the window of annularity or totality (if any) may last just a few seconds to a few minutes.
Safety reminders for today’s viewing
Eye safety is paramount. Reuseable eclipse glasses should be inspected for scratches; discard any that are damaged. If using a telescope or binoculars, mount a certified solar filter at the front aperture. Remember, there is no safe duration for naked-eye viewing of any part of the Sun’s bright disk.