Safe Eclipse Viewing

How to watch a solar eclipse safely: ISO 12312-2 glasses, telescope filters, and what never to use.

Interactive Eclipse Path Map

Solar Eclipse Planner maps solar eclipse shadow paths on an interactive world map. Click any location for local contact times, totality duration, magnitude, weather hints, and nearest airports.

Upcoming Eclipse Events

6 February 2027 — Annular

On 6 February 2027 an annular solar eclipse sweeps across the southern Atlantic and Patagonia, producing a ring-of-fire track visible from Argentina and Chile under favourable sunrise geometry. Greatest eclipse lies over open ocean, yet motivated chasers can reach dramatic Andean and coastal sites when weather cooperates. Annularity demands ISO-certified solar filters for every second of direct viewing — never remove protection during the bright ring phase. Open this interactive map to compare towns along the narrow central path, study local contact times, and weigh which side of the Andes offers a clearer winter sky for your travel window.

2 August 2027 — Total

The 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse is widely called the eclipse of the century: up to six minutes and twenty-three seconds of totality across Egypt, Spain, and North Africa, with Luxor on the centre line for iconic Nile-side viewing. This is long totality at workable solar altitude, so plan for heat, crowds, and hotel logistics well ahead. Open the map to see whether your shortlist sits inside the umbra, compare partial versus total coverage at Spanish coast sites, and read contact times before you commit to flights. Our Luxor guide covers temples, feluccas, and practical field hazards.

26 January 2028 — Annular

On 26 January 2028 an annular eclipse crosses from the eastern Pacific through Spain, Portugal, and the Mediterranean, finishing as a ring-of-fire sunset over northern South America. Iberian observers receive a rare winter annular eclipse at practical Sun heights — ideal for a short European trip tied to Barcelona or Andalusian coastlines, with ISO filters required throughout. Click through for the animated shadow track, annularity duration at cities you are weighing, and seasonal weather context. Pair with our European travel guide for planning across consecutive 2026–2030 eclipse seasons on both sides of the Atlantic.

22 July 2028 — Total

The 22 July 2028 total solar eclipse traces a southern winter path across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific, with greatest eclipse over open ocean southeast of Australia. Land viewers can chase lengthy afternoon totality along the Australian east coast and nearby islands — appealing if you prefer Southern Hemisphere skies and cooler winter observing temperatures. Use the interactive map to test harbour towns, beach sites, and inland fallbacks for horizon clearance. Compare centre-line totality duration against dramatic partial phases outside the umbra, then lock in flights and lodging before path-side rooms sell out.

Browse all solar eclipses, 2020–2100

Eclipse Observation & Expedition Guides

As Day Turns To Night

What happens when day becomes night during totality: the million-fold drop in light, the 360-degree eclipse horizon, stars and planets at midday, spotting Mercury, and the emotional impact of a sky transformed.

The Solar Corona

What the solar corona is, why it hides in plain sight, how it changes with the solar cycle, prominences, coronal heating, and why totality is the only naked-eye view.

2026 Iceland & Spain

Planning guide for the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse: Iceland vs Spain and Mallorca, low-altitude totality, travel, accommodation, weather strategy, and safety.

2027 Luxor

Planning guide for the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse at Luxor: Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, heat, crowds, security, regional context, and why Egypt offers exceptional sky odds.

Browse all eclipse guides

Frequently asked questions

How do I find local eclipse times for my location?: Open the interactive map, search for your city or click your viewing spot, and Solar Eclipse Planner shows contact times, totality duration, magnitude, and whether you are inside the path.
What is the path of totality?: The path of totality is the narrow track where the Moon fully covers the Sun. Solar Eclipse Planner overlays totality and partial zones so you can compare sites along the track.
How do I view a solar eclipse safely?: Use ISO 12312-2 solar viewers whenever any part of the Sun is visible. See our safe viewing guide and NASA eclipse safety resources.

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Trusted references: NASA eclipse science · AAS eclipse resources

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Safe Eclipse Viewing

How to watch a solar eclipse safely: ISO 12312-2 glasses, telescope filters, and what never to use.

Partial and total Solar Eclipses are a truly unforgettable experience — but the Sun is never safe to view directly without proper protection. Even a thin crescent of Sun exposed during a near full eclipse is enough to damage your eyes. The only safe time to view directly is during the fleeting few moments of Totality (but be ready for the sudden return of the blindingly bright Sun — know the duration and set an alarm).

Looking at the Sun without certified protection can cause permanent eye damage or blindness — including during partial eclipses and the partial phases of a total eclipse. There are no exceptions.

For a deeper guide to ISO 12312-2 eyewear, filter inspection, and why sunglasses fail — with a clear note that all safety responsibility rests with you — see .

During a partial eclipse, the Sun is never fully covered. Any visible portion of the solar disk can injure your retina — even when the Sun looks dim or mostly obscured.

Totality is the only moment when unfiltered direct viewing is safe — only if you are inside the path of totality and during the short period when the Sun is totally blotted out by the Moon.

Partial phase — keep ISO 12312-2 filters on at all times.

Totality — filters off. View the corona with the naked eye only during this brief window.

Partial phase returns — put filters back on immediately.

Outside the path of totality? Treat the entire event as a partial eclipse — filters stay on throughout.

Pack and inspect gear before travel day. Items marked essential should be considered mandatory for safe direct viewing.

Purchase from trusted suppliers. The American Astronomical Society maintains an independent list of vendors whose products meet ISO 12312-2. All links open in a new tab.

These products have been selected only on the basis of certification; no other recommendation or endorsement is stated or implied. Always ensure before each use that there are no scratches or holes in the filters. If there are, do not use the damaged item; replace it before attempting to view an eclipse safely.

Solar Eclipse Planner provides educational information only and does not sell eclipse viewing products. Verify glasses and filters are undamaged, in date, and ISO 12312-2 certified before use.

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