Solar Eclipses

On Aug. 21, 2017 a total solar eclipse crossed the United States from Oregon to South Carolina. Check out our main eclipse page for everything you need know about that total solar eclipse, and check back here to see all our latest updates and coverage of solar eclipses in general.

Related Topics: Moon Phases, The Moon, Solar Flares and Space Weather

Latest Updates

Totality and shadow of the moon in the top center portion of the image, Earth and the hazy blue glow of the atmosphere is seen below.

Don't panic if you see balloons hovering during America's two upcoming solar eclipses

By Jamie Carter published

During the two upcoming solar eclipses, the National Eclipse Ballooning Project (NEBP) will be livestreaming and doing science above 99.5% of the atmosphere.

the moon blocks out the sun during a total solar eclipse.

NASA seeks citizen scientists to capture April 2024 total solar eclipse

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

NASA wants citizen scientists to capture the total solar eclipse in April 2024 to help researchers learn more about the sun.

Graphic illustration showing the paths of October's annular solar eclipse and April's total solar eclipse crossing over at a location in Texas.

Where to stand in Texas to see 2 solar eclipses in under 6 months

By Jamie Carter published

A small area of Texas will witness October's annular solar eclipse and April's total solar eclipse. Here's where you should stand to see them in all their glory.

During an annular solar eclipse a broken ring of orange golden light is seen against a black background.

7 places in the US Southwest to see rare 'edge effects' during annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14

By Jamie Carter published

Where and when to see rare edge effects like Baily's beads during the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023.

The moon obscures the sun during an annular eclipse

Get ready for the epic 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse of October 2023 with this epic NASA trailer (video)

By Robert Lea published

NASA has released a video trailer for a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse that will sweep across the Americas on Oct. 14, 2023.

An annular solar eclipse showing a ring of orange in a hazy orange sky with cacti in the foreground.

Annular solar eclipse 2023: How to watch in person and online

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Find out how to watch the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14 in person and with these free livestreams. The famous 'ring of fire' is not to be missed.

A series of solar eclipse images show the moon obscuring the sun until an orange ring is present.

Which U.S. states will October's 'ring of fire' solar eclipse be visible from?

By Jamie Carter published

On October 14, 2023, the Americas will experience a partial solar eclipse, but from only eight U.S. states will it be possible to see the 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse.

a young woman watches a solar eclipse through binoculars.

Watch the sun over the next 2 weeks to plan the ideal total eclipse 2024 viewing location

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

Between Aug. 25 and Sept. 8, the sun will be in the same location as during the total eclipse on April 8, 2024 making it the perfect time to scout your viewing spot.

on the left is an orange ring of light, an annular solar eclipse on the right right is a black circle with a bright white glow surrounding it, this is a total solar eclipse.

What's the difference between a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse?

By Jamie Carter published

Reference In this explainer, we explore the differences between a total solar eclipse and an annular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse.

A person holds a solar eclipse map showing the route of the 2017 solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017.

How to read and understand a solar eclipse map

By Jamie Carter published

Reference A solar eclipse map is a helpful tool for anyone wanting to get the most out of their solar eclipse viewing experience. We explore how to read and understand them here.

View from Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge with Snow Geese and Canada Geese.

10 breathtaking locations to see October 2023's 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse

By Jamie Carter published

The annular solar eclipse on Oct 14, 2023, will be quite the spectacle. Here's a roundup of some of the best beauty spots to watch the infamous 'ring of fire' from.

People gather to watch the 2017 total solar eclipse over the town of Prinevill, Oregon, U.S.

Astro-tourism – chasing eclipses, meteor showers and elusive dark skies from Earth

By Vahe Peroomian published

In 2024, much of the eastern United States will fall in the path of a total solar eclipse.

annular solar eclipse road trip. A large orange red rock formations reaching up to the blue sky. A large RV drives along the road in the lower left portion of the image.

Road trip! Catch October's annular solar eclipse with 5 iconic routes through the US

By Jamie Carter published

The annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023, will be visible throughout the US. Our helpful guide tells you which road trips are best to take for the optimum eclipse viewing experience.

a black disk covering a white circle of light

One of the longest solar eclipses on Earth darkened the sky 50 years ago. Here's how it happened.

By Joe Rao published

Fifty years ago, on Saturday, June 30, 1973, one of the longest total eclipses of the sun in modern times took place.

A group of people on a hillside wearing eclipse glasses are looking up at the sky,

10 best events across the US to celebrate the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse

By Jamie Carter published

Here are 10 dedicated solar eclipse viewing events to celebrate the Oct.14 'ring of fire' solar eclipse from locations across the U.S.

total solar eclipse april 2024 path of totality across North America

Watch the moon's shadow travel across North America during 2024's total solar eclipse (video)

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

This flyover animation of the Great North American Solar Eclipse shows the path of the moon's shadow and where you need to be located to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

the sun's outer atmosphere is visible around the moon during a total solar eclipse in august 2017

NASA will study the Great North American Solar Eclipse of 2024 with these 5 experiments

By Samantha Mathewson published

NASA has selected five science experiments that it will fund to study the sun and Earth during the Great American Eclipse of 2024.

the moon blocks out most of the sun during a solar eclipse

I watched the moon 'take a bite of the sun' in a rare hybrid solar eclipse last week. Here's what I saw from Australia.

By Jamie Carter published

From my viewpoint in the Exmouth Gulf of Western Australia, the solar eclipse's totality brought a colossal corona and a dramatic drifting diamond ring.

A hazy white light shines out from behind the moon as it passes across the front of the sun.

Rare hybrid solar eclipse 2023 delights South Pacific skywatchers (photos)

By Daisy Dobrijevic published

A rare hybrid solar eclipse on April 20 was captured by skywatchers in the South Pacific. We take a look at some of the best photos and videos from the once-in-a-decade event.

A photograph of a solar eclipse

The moon blocks the sun in a rare hybrid solar eclipse today

By Robert Lea published

A rare hybrid eclipse sweeps across the surface of Earth on April 20, appearing as a total eclipse, annular eclipse or transitioning between both, depending on one's vantage point.