Today many people are searching what time is solar eclipse today because they want to catch this rare celestial event safely and at the right moment. Depending on your location, the eclipse may already be underway, ending soon, or approaching later in the day.
Use the quick reference below to understand the timing, visibility, and safety basics at a glance for your city.
| City | Partial Start | Maximum Eclipse | Partial End | Magnitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 14:23 | 15:28 | 16:35 | 0.78 |
| Los Angeles | 11:05 | 12:12 | 13:18 | >0.90 |
| Chicago | 15:12 | 16:20 | 17:27 | 0.85 |
| London | 18:37 | 19:51 | 21:05 | 0.74 |
| Tokyo | 05:36 | 06:49 | 08:01 | 0.89 |
How Solar Eclipses Align Today
Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Today this alignment produces either a partial, annular, or total eclipse depending on your geographic position and the distances involved.
Visibility Windows by Region
Because the Earth rotates, the window of visibility shifts throughout the day from east to west. Check the local start time at your city and plan to arrive at your viewing location at least 15 minutes early.
Safety and Viewing Guidelines
Watching the Sun directly, even during an eclipse, can damage your eyes. Use certified eclipse glasses or indirect projection methods, avoid unfiltered cameras and telescopes, and follow local weather and traffic updates for the best experience.
Planning Your Observation
For today’s event, choose a clear vantage point, arrive early, and prepare for changing weather. Bring eclipse glasses, a hat, water, and consider a simple pinhole projector as a backup viewing method.
FAQ
Reader questions
What time does the eclipse start where I live?
Check the table above for your city; times are given in local 24-hour format for partial eclipse beginning, maximum eclipse, and partial end.
Can I watch the eclipse with my bare eyes?
No, viewing the Sun without proper solar filters can cause serious eye damage; always use certified eclipse glasses or safe projection methods.
Will any part of the Sun be visible during the eclipse?
Yes, even a partial eclipse leaves most of the Sun visible; during maximum eclipse a significant portion remains uncovered depending on your location.
What if clouds appear at my location during the eclipse?
Check live weather radar and consider traveling to a nearby location with clearer skies, or watch a reliable live stream from a clear-site observatory.