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

The student marching band practices on the campus of Southern Illinois University before participating in solar eclipse festivities at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale.

Crossroads of the Solar Eclipse: Best Photos from Carbondale 2017

By Denise Chow published

Here are some of the coolest photos from in and around Carbondale, a city along the path of totality for the August 2017 solar eclipse.

Eclipse viewing

Solar Eclipse 2017 Live: Here Are Video Streams and Webcasts to Watch

By Sarah Lewin published

Experience 2017's total solar eclipse virtually: People outside the eclipse path, under cloudy skies or hoping to stay indoors have plenty of options to watch the celestial event live.

2016 total solar eclipse

How to View a Solar Eclipse Without Damaging Your Eyes

By Calla Cofield published

Here are guidelines for watching the Aug. 21, 2017 total solar eclipse, including when it is safe to remove your eclipse glasses.

solar eclipse space station astronauts

Astronauts on Space Station to Watch Solar Eclipse on Three Orbits of Earth

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

Three Americans are in a position to get a truly unique view of the "Great American Solar Eclipse" — from the International Space Station.

In Carbondale, Illinois, people look through a solar-viewing telescope in preparation for the total solar eclipse on Monday (Aug. 21).

Total Solar Eclipse Transforms Illinois Town into a Celestial Super Bowl

By Denise Chow published

When it comes to total solar eclipses, "X" marks the spot for this college town, and excitement is building as people gear up for what's being heralded as the "Great American Solar Eclipse."

Google Total Solar Eclipse Doodle

Google Doodle Celebrates the Historic Great American Solar Eclipse

By Mike Wall published

Google is commemorating the United States' most epic skywatching event in 99 years with a special doodle.

If you want to photograph the sun with your cell phone, consider putting a solar filter over the camera lens to protect the bright image of the sun from becoming burned into the screen.

Can You Photograph the Solar Eclipse with Your Phone or Tablet?

By Calla Cofield published

Can you photograph the phenomenon with my cell phone or tablet? With a few caveats, the answer is "yes."

The Eclipse, or the Courtship of the Sun and Moon

Our Favorite Total Solar Eclipses from Movies and TV

By Doris Elin Urrutia published

The total solar eclipse is causing many folks to travel this weekend, and as these films and television programs demonstrate, eclipses have fascinated viewers throughout time.

A map from the National Weather Service shows current cloud cover over the path of totality of the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse.

Here's a Final Weather Update for Solar Eclipse Day (Aug. 21, 2017)

By Joe Rao published

The 2017 solar eclipse is less than 24 hours away. Here are the most up-to-date weather forecasts for regions inside the path of totality.

An active region on the surface of the sun can be seen here releasing a solar flare. The image comes from NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory.

The Sun Is Literally Boiling, Releasing Balls of 'Hot Horror' Into Space

By Paul Sutter published

The Sun Is Literally Boiling, Releasing Balls of 'Hot Horror' Into Space

Saluki dogs are walked past a solar eclipse exhibit on the campus of Southern Illinois University on August 19, 2017, in Carbondale, Illinois.

Spotlight on Carbondale: Illinois Town Sits at Solar Eclipse 'Crossroads'

By Denise Chow published

By pure cosmic coincidence, the town of Carbondale has found itself at the center of eclipse mania.

A white-light image of the sun's atmosphere during a total solar eclipse.

Here Are the Most Amazing Things to Observe During a Solar Eclipse

By Joe Rao published

All sorts of spooky and downright amazing things happen during a solar eclipse, and knowing what to look for makes the experience even better.

Skywatchers use solar viewing glasses to observe the sun in New York City on July 22, 2012

Tips for Safe Eclipse Viewing…from Someone Who Learned the Hard Way

By Rod Pyle published

Get out and enjoy the solar eclipse on Aug. 21, but be sure to protect your eyes, or suffer potentially devastating effects.

human eye

Why the Human Eye Sees a Total Solar Eclipse Better Than a Camera

By Joe Rao published

Here's a look at how the human eye works and why seeing an eclipse in person is so much better than looking at one in pictures.

NASA's Parker Solar Probe art

NASA's Parker Probe Will Explore The Sun's Hellish Atmosphere in 2018

By Paul Sutter published

During the total solar eclipse, skywatchers can see the corona: the hellish, mysterious outer atmosphere that NASA plans to probe in 2018.

Moon Shadow from ISS

Why an Eclipse Is Better Viewed from Earth: An Astronaut's Perspective

By Leroy Chiao published

During my mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), I shot what I was told was the first astronaut video of a partial eclipse.

2017 Total Solar Eclipse Path Map

How Long Will the 2017 Solar Eclipse Last? Depends Where You Are

By Joe Rao published

The Total Solar Eclipse of Aug. 21

Get Ready for Major Traffic Jams During the 2017 Solar Eclipse

By Joe Rao published

Map for 2017 Total Solar Eclipse

Solar Eclipse 2017: Traffic and Weather Forecasts for States in Totality

By Mike Wall published

Don’t miss the 2017 total solar eclipse because you’re stuck in traffic outside the path of totality or blanketed by a canopy of clouds.

Bonnie Tyler in front of a darkened red theater backdrop

Bonnie Tyler Will Sing 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' During the Actual Total Solar Eclipse

By Sarah Lewin published

Total eclipse of the heart, meet a total eclipse of the sun: Bonnie Tyler's iconic hit from the 80s is about to be in the right place at the right cosmic time.