Watching a total solar eclipse is a rare alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. The most critical detail you need is what time is the total eclipse window at your specific location.
Totality is brief and cannot be enjoyed without precise planning. Below you will find exact timing tables, regional differences, and safety guidance so you can experience the event correctly.
| Location | Partial Eclipse Start | Totality Start | Peak Totality | Totality End | Partial Eclipse End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas, TX | 12:29 PM | 1:40 PM | 1:43 PM | 1:46 PM | 2:59 PM |
| Indianapolis, IN | 1:59 PM | 3:06 PM | 3:09 PM | 3:12 PM | 4:25 PM |
| Buffalo, NY | 2:57 PM | 3:18 PM | 3:20 PM | 3:22 PM | 4:35 PM |
| Maine Coast | 3:32 PM | 4:25 PM | 4:28 PM | 4:31 PM | 5:45 PM |
Path of Totality Across North America
The total eclipse will travel from the Pacific Northwest through the central United States and out to the Atlantic seaboard. You must be inside the narrow path of totality to see the corona without special filters.
Exact Timings for Major Cities
Metropolitan areas outside the path will still see a partial eclipse, but the dramatic moment of totality will be absent. Check your city against the table to plan travel or confirm your view.
Safety and Viewing Requirements
During partial phases and outside the path, certified eclipse glasses are mandatory. Only during the brief window of totality can you remove filters and look directly at the Sun safely.
Planning Your Eclipse Experience
- Verify your location relative to the path of totality.
- Check local start and end times using official astronomical tables.
- Acquire certified eclipse glasses well before the event.
- Set multiple alarms for partial phase start, totality start, and end.
- Monitor weather forecasts and have a backup viewing location ready.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I find the exact time for my location?
Use NASA’s eclipse website or timeanddate.com and enter your city or ZIP code to get start, totality, and end times accurate to the second.
Can I rely on smartphone eclipse apps for timing?
Yes, reputable apps provide local countdowns and alerts, but always cross-check with an official source to avoid software errors.
What happens if clouds block the view during totality?
Totality lasts up to about four minutes, so if clouds roll in, you may still catch the partial phases before and after the brief clear window.
Is it safe to look at the uneclipsed Sun even briefly?
Looking at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun without proper solar filters can cause permanent eye damage within seconds.