The Total Solar Eclipse of 2020: What Time Will It Pass Through Tonight?
With the total solar eclipse set to pass through the United States on August 21, 2020, many are wondering what time it will appear in the night sky. While the exact moment of the eclipse’s peak depends on location and the time zone, this celestial event will be making an appearance just before nightfall in many parts of the nation. Here, we’ll guide you through what you need to know to make sure you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Most Visible?
The shortest time span for the total solar eclipse is just a narrow swath of the continental U.S., roughly about 70 miles (113 km) wide. That’s why, if you’re planning on watching it, it’s important to know exactly when it will be passing over your location.
The 2017 solar eclipse was seen in the continental U.S. on a Monday morning, so those looking to observe it this time around won’t have to get up as early! Assuming you’re located within the path of totality, here’s the breakdown of what time it will be passing through your area.
The East Coast: The solar eclipse will begin in the east around 4:51 p.m. EST, peaking at 5:22 p.m. EST. From near-total eclipse to near-total eclipse should take less than three minutes.
The Midwest: The total solar eclipse will begin in the Midwest at around 4:19 p.m. CST, peaking at 5:02 p.m. CST.
The West Coast: The eclipse will be visible in the west at 4:05 p.m. PST, peaking at 4:41 p.m. PST.
Preparing to View the Eclipse
Now that you know the general timing, it’s time to prepare for the eclipse to be able to view it safely. Whether it’s your first time seeing a total solar eclipse or you’re a seasoned astronomer, the excitement will remain the same.
Most important: Be sure to invest in a pair of certified solar viewing glasses that filter out the damaging ultraviolet and infrared sunlight. It is important to never look directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, without extremely safe methods of viewing in place.
You should also prepare your camera in advance, making sure the correct filters are being used and the camera is set up properly. If you don’t have a camera, you can use pinhole projectors to view the event as well.
Watching the Eclipse
Finally, have fun! Solar eclipses take a variety of forms, so don’t be surprised if the shape of the eclipse doesn’t end up looking exactly like what you expected. As the Earth’s atmosphere brings with it unpredictable fluctuations and weather patterns, the eclipse could look very different from different areas.
No matter where you find yourself, the night sky during the total solar eclipse will be a sight to behold. Whether you’re experiencing the rare eclipse up close or watching the event on a streaming video, the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of our universe should not be missed.