Upcoming Solar Eclipses Visible from the United States
This evergreen guide summarizes the major solar eclipses expected over the coming decades in the United States, focusing on when and where they occur, how they appear from different locations, and how to plan to view them safely. It is designed as a long-term reference useful for photographers, educators, travelers, and curious viewers who want reliable timing and path information well in advance.
| Date | Type | Path of Annularity/Totality | U.S. Regions with Best Views | Notes on Timing and Magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 8, 2024 | Total | Mexico–United States–Canada | Texas to Maine (in path); partial across much of North America | Totality up to ~4 minutes; major population areas saw partial eclipse |
| October 14, 2024 | Annular | Oregon to Texas | West Coast to Gulf Coast within annular path; partial elsewhere in U.S. | Ring of fire duration up to ~5 minutes; partial eclipse visible widely |
| April 9, 2025 | Total (non-U.S. focus) | Eastern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia | Northern U.S. may see a small partial phase | Totality visible primarily outside the United States |
| August 2, 2027 | Total | Northern Rockies, Plains, Midwest, East Coast | Montana through Texas and eastward | Extended totality possible up to ~6 minutes for central path |
| February 5, 2027 | Annular | Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona | Western U.S. within narrow annular path | Annularity duration moderate; partial eclipse across much of the country |
| August 12, 2028 | Partial | N/A (non-central) | Nationwide partial eclipse | High northern latitude partial phase; no total or annular path across U.S. |
| March 29, 2034 | Partial | N/A (non-central) | Nationwide partial eclipse | Significant partial coverage across the United States |
| September 12, 2034 | Annular | Southwestern and central U.S. | Path from California toward Texas | Annularity may approach several minutes where conditions are favorable |
| March 30, 2033 | Total (Alaska focus) | Alaska and far northeast | Northern and western U.S. see partial; limited total visibility in Alaska |
How Solar Eclipses Work
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only a fraction of the Sun; in an annular eclipse, the Moon is farther from Earth and appears smaller, leaving a bright ring around the Moon; in a total eclipse, the Moon fully covers the Sun, briefly revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona. The type and appearance depend on your location relative to the Moon’s shadow, which is why being in the path of annularity or totality makes a significant difference in what you will observe.
How to Find the Exact Eclipse Times for Your Location
Because small differences in latitude and longitude change eclipse timing by seconds to minutes, use authoritative calculators or sources rather than relying on generalized maps. Recommended approaches include official eclipse websites from astronomical institutions, NASA’s eclipse database, and timeanddate.com, where you can enter your city or ZIP code to generate a local timetable with phases, magnitude, and timelines.
Key timing terms to know
- First contact: When the Moon first touches the Sun’s disk
- Maximum eclipse: The moment the eclipse is greatest locally
- Last contact: When the Moon no longer overlaps the Sun
- Totality or annularity begins/ends: Exact times if you are within the central path
Practical Planning for Eclipse Day
To get the most from an eclipse, plan logistics early, including travel, accommodation, and weather risk. If you are within the path of annularity or totality, arrive with a time buffer and a backup location in case of clouds. Prepare for variable temperatures, bring comfortable seating, consider shade and hydration, and check local road and parking conditions. For observers outside the central path, treat the day as a strong partial eclipse opportunity and still follow eye safety guidance.
Safe Viewing and Equipment
Never view a solar eclipse with the naked eye at any phase except during the brief total phase of a total eclipse, once the Sun is completely covered. Use certified eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2, a handheld solar viewer, or project an image with a pinhole device. If using a camera, telescope, or binoculars, attach a certified solar filter over the front aperture; do not rely on eyepiece filters or unfiltered optics. Inspect your filter for damage before use, and keep it in place except during the few minutes of totality.
Eclipse Timing Trends and Long-Term Patterns
Across the United States, total eclipses are relatively rare events at any given city, occurring roughly every 300–400 years on average for a single location, while annular and partial eclipses are more frequent but still spaced years apart. The 2020s and 2030s feature several notable eclipses with varying visibility across the country. These patterns make each eclipse a locally significant event for planning travel, outreach, and photography, and they underscore the value of checking updated predictions as official ephemerides are refined over time.
Verifying Eclipse Information
For reliable eclipse data, rely on official sources such as NASA’s eclipse website, national observatories, timeanddate.com, and national weather services. These organizations provide detailed maps, local contact times, magnitude values, and safety guidance. When you prepare based on verified timing and path information, you reduce the risk of error and increase the quality of your viewing experience.