Solar Eclipse Times & Local View

Play the next solar eclipse from first to last contact: local times, Sun altitude, and a 3D disc with the Moon’s bite.

What this tool answers

The next local solar eclipse for your pin — C1–C4 contacts, obscuration, Sun direction, and a 3D disc. Always use ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses. Simulation only — not a NASA umbral path map.

Preview a solar eclipse for your sky

Find local contact times, Sun direction, and a 3D disc view for your location.

  1. Set your location — Allow GPS or pick a preset (lat/lon) so altitude and horizon flags match your sky.
  2. Read the eye-safety banner — Never look at the real Sun without ISO 12312-2 filters. The 3D view is a simulation.
  3. Choose an eclipse — Open the next local event or pick another upcoming date from the chips.
  4. Scrub C1–C4 contacts — Play or jump to C1, C2, peak, C3, and C4. Check which are above the horizon.
  5. Confirm weather — Open Tonight score and Stargazing weather with your lat/lon before you go outside.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next solar eclipse from my location?

Next for the Georgetown default pin: a partial solar eclipse around Jan 26 2028 (~70% obscuration). At least one contact is above the horizon. Check C1-C4 flags for your lat/lon. Never look at the Sun without ISO 12312-2 filters.

Can I look at the Sun during the eclipse?

Never without ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter on optics. The 3D view is a simulation. Totality is the only naked-eye exception, and only while the photosphere is fully covered. Put filters back on at third contact (C3).

Is this a NASA eclipse path map?

No. Local contacts come from astronomy-engine SearchLocalSolarEclipse. The Earth inset marks SearchGlobalSolarEclipse peak lat/lon only, not a Besselian umbral path or “eclipse map 2026.”

Can I photograph a solar eclipse without a filter?

No. Camera sensors and eyes need a proper solar filter (or certified eclipse glasses for visual viewing) for every partial and annular phase. Unfiltered photography of the Sun can damage equipment and vision. Totality is the only brief naked-eye window. Put filters back on at C3.

How accurate are the times?

astronomy-engine ELP/VSOP: Sun/Moon typically about 1 arcminute, contact times about 1 minute. Fine for planning. Not NASA Besselian elements or IAU eclipse bulletins.

Where is the lunar eclipse viewer?

Lunar eclipses (Earth’s shadow on the Moon) are a separate tool at /tools/eclipse-viewer/. This page is solar only so search queries and safety copy stay distinct.

Continue with Lunar eclipse viewer · Tonight score · Stargazing weather · Moon phases (ASTRO-104)

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