What time will the total solar eclipse happen?

The total solar eclipse is set to happen between 9.13 PM IST on Monday, April 8 and 2.22 AM IST on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. You can look at the map in the image above to see what time totality will happen in different parts of the United States.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

Only parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada will witness a total solar eclipse. But the Moon will cover some parts of the Sun in a partial eclipse in parts of some Caribbean countries, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland. Unfortunately, there will be no eclipse visible to anyone in India or anywhere else in Asia. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1600"] The path of the eclipse, the thick red line at the centre shows the path of the total eclipse with the lines radiating outwards representing 80%, 60%, 40%, 20% eclipse paths. (Image credit: In the Sky)[/caption]

How can I watch the eclipse if I am not in one of those countries?

Well, thankfully, you can watch a live stream of the eclipse. Below, you will find livestreams hosted by NASA and the McDonald Observatory in Texas. They will both feature views from multiple telescopes in the United States and elsewhere, along with live commentary. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o?si=SRQOMXmdnDzVXjfY] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHAbciq3NNY?si=U1_Y47zlRpGPlbHl]

How does a total solar eclipse happen?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, covering some part of it. You probably don’t need to be told that it becomes a total solar eclipse when the Moon covers the Sun completely. But the “path” that the solar eclipse takes across our planet is the path taken by the Moon’s “umbra,” or the darkest part of its shadow.

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This is an archive article published on April 5, 2024

Total solar eclipse 2024: A complete and concise guide

This succinct guide will tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming total solar eclipse, including when it will happen, where it will be visible, and how to watch it nonetheless.

This NASA map shows what time the total eclipse will be visible in different parts of the United States.

A total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime event for most people, is set to happen on April 9. This short guide to the eclipse will tell you when it will happen, where it will be visible, and how you can watch the eclipse even if you don’t live anywhere near its path.

01
What time will the total solar eclipse happen?
The total solar eclipse is set to happen between 9.13 PM IST on Monday, April 8 and 2.22 AM IST on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. You can look at the map in the image above to see what time totality will happen in different parts of the United States.
02
Where will the eclipse be visible?
Only parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada will witness a total solar eclipse. But the Moon will cover some parts of the Sun in a partial eclipse in parts of some Caribbean countries, Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, and Iceland. Unfortunately, there will be no eclipse visible to anyone in India or anywhere else in Asia.

The path of the eclipse, the thick red line at the centre shows the path of the total eclipse with the lines radiating outwards representing 80%, 60%, 40%, 20% eclipse paths. (Image credit: In the Sky)
03
How can I watch the eclipse if I am not in one of those countries?
Well, thankfully, you can watch a live stream of the eclipse. Below, you will find livestreams hosted by NASA and the McDonald Observatory in Texas. They will both feature views from multiple telescopes in the United States and elsewhere, along with live commentary.
04
How does a total solar eclipse happen?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes in front of the Sun, covering some part of it. You probably don’t need to be told that it becomes a total solar eclipse when the Moon covers the Sun completely. But the “path” that the solar eclipse takes across our planet is the path taken by the Moon’s “umbra,” or the darkest part of its shadow.