What time is the solar eclipse today where you are
To answer what time is the solar eclipse today, you need your city or nearest major city, because timing varies by location. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, and today’s event follows ordinary eclipse geometry. For most viewers, the eclipse will begin midmorning, reach maximum in early afternoon, and end midafternoon local time. Use official NASA or national astronomy tables to convert to your time zone and confirm local circumstances.
How a partial solar eclipse works
A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s disk. The exact fraction of the Sun blocked, called the eclipse magnitude, depends on how aligned the Sun, Moon, and Earth are at your location. Unlike a total eclipse, the Sun remains visible throughout, so the shadow you experience is the penumbra. Path predictions are calculated from ephemerides and observation data updated by agencies such as NASA and the US Naval Observatory.
Why timing differs by location
Eclipse timing shifts by several minutes between nearby cities because of curvature of the Earth and your distance from the central line. Near the center of the penumbra, maximum eclipse occurs earlier; farther from the center, it occurs later. Your local time zone, horizon features, and whether you observe daylight saving time also affect clock times you record.
Typical timeline for a partial eclipse
For a partial solar eclipse, the sequence follows a reliable pattern everywhere, although exact times change by date and location. Below is a general timeline you can expect, expressed as elapsed events rather than clock times.
| Event | What it means | When it occurs |
|---|---|---|
| First contact (P1) | The Moon first touches the Sun’s disk | Midmorning local time |
| Maximum eclipse | The greatest fraction of the Sun covered | Early afternoon local time |
| Last contact (P4) | The Moon finishes leaving the Sun’s disk | Midafternoon local time |
How to find exact times for today
To get precise times, enter your location into a reliable eclipse calculator that uses current ephemerides. Many official sources provide this: government astronomy agencies, observatories, and space agencies. They list Besselian elements, magnitude, obscuration, and start and end times for your coordinates. Check their recommended calculators for today’s eclipse with your city or ZIP code.
Official trusted timing sources
For dependable data, refer to these established sources that maintain eclipse predictions used by professional astronomers and official agencies.
- NASA Eclipse Web Site: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov
- Timeanddate.com local eclipse tool
- Your national astronomy society or observatory
- US Naval Observatory eclipse service
Viewing safely during any partial eclipse
Never look directly at the uneclipsed Sun or a partially eclipsed Sun without proper protection. Use eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312‑2 or a certified handheld solar viewer. Alternatively, project an image of the Sun with a pinhole or use a telescope with appropriate solar filtration. Do not use regular sunglasses, exposed film, or unfiltered optical devices.
Cloud and weather considerations
Even with exact timing, clouds or bad weather can obscure the view. Check hourly forecasts in the hours before and during the eclipse. If your area is cloudy, consider visiting a location with clearer skies or watch a live stream from a site with good conditions. Plan for possible changes at your location.
Other eclipse types and how they compare
Not every eclipse is partial; different geometries produce total or annular eclipses. Knowing the type helps set expectations for how dramatic the event will appear.
| Eclipse type | Sun coverage | Daytime appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Partial | Only part of the Sun covered | Sun looks like a crescent; daylight remains |
| Annular | Ring of Sun visible around Moon | Ring of fire effect, still bright |
| Total | Moon completely covers Sun | Brief twilight, corona visible |