Partial eclipse begins
The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact.
Totality begins
The moment the edge of the Moon covers all of the Sun is called second contact.
Maximum eclipse
The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden.
Totality ends
The moment the edge of the Moon exposes the Sun is called third contact.
Partial eclipse ends
The edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun.
Dark shadow on horizon
The Moon’s umbral shadow may become visible as it approaches from the west.
Corona appears
The corona—the outer part of the Sun’s atmosphere—starts to become visible.
Dark shadow sweeps in
The Moon’s umbral shadow arrives from the west and envelops the surroundings.
Diamond ring
The corona forms a ring around the dark Moon, while the Sun dazzles like a jewel.
Baily’s beads
Just before totality, beads of sunlight stream through valleys along the edge of the Moon.
Baily’s beads
Just before annularity, beads of sunlight stream through valleys along the edge of the Moon.
Annularity begins
The moment the Sun forms a ring around the Moon is called second contact.
Ring of fire
The Sun shines as a dazzling annulus (a ring shape) around the Moon.
Chromosphere
The chromosphere—a thin, red layer of the Sun’s atmosphere—is briefly visible.
Prominences
Reddish, tounge-like prominences may poke out from the Sun during totality.
Corona
During totality, the ghostly corona shines as brightly as a Full Moon.
Chromosphere
Just before the end of totality, the chromosphere briefly reappears.
Annularity ends
The moment the Sun’s ring around the Moon is broken is called third contact.
Baily's beads
A new set of Baily’s beads appears, signalling the end of annularity.
Baily’s beads
A new set of Baily’s beads appears, signalling the end of totality.
Diamond ring
Baily’s beads come together to form another dazzling jewel of sunlight.
Dark shadow sweeps out
The Moon’s umbral shadow departs toward the east.
Corona fades
The ring of the corona around the Moon disappears from view.
Dark shadow on horizon
The Moon’s umbral shadow may be visible in the distance as it retreats to the east.
Maximum eclipse
The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden.
Maximum eclipse
The deepest point of the eclipse, with the Sun at its most hidden.
Partial eclipse begins
The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact.
Partial eclipse begins
The moment the edge of the Moon touches the edge of the Sun is called first contact.
Partial eclipse ends
The moment the edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun is called fourth contact.
Partial eclipse ends
The moment the edge of the Moon leaves the edge of the Sun is called fourth contact.
Sunrise
The sun is rising.
Sunrise
The sun is rising.
Sunrise
The sun is rising.
Sunset
The sun is setting.
Sunset
The sun is setting.
Sunset
The sun is setting.
Temperature changes
As the Moon covers the Sun, the amount of solar energy decreases.
Temperature changes
As the Moon covers the Sun, the amount of solar energy decreases.
Temperature changes
As the Moon covers the Sun, the amount of solar energy decreases.
Sharp & blurry shadows
Shadow edges that are aligned with the Sun’s narrowing crescent become sharper.
Sharp & blurry shadows
Shadow edges that are aligned with the Sun’s narrowing crescent become sharper.
Sharp & blurry shadows
Shadow edges that are aligned with the Sun’s narrowing crescent become sharper.
Brightness of sky
As the eclipse progresses, the sky starts to become noticeably darker.
Brightness of sky
As the eclipse progresses, the sky starts to become noticeably darker.
Brightness of sky
As the eclipse progresses, the sky starts to become noticeably darker.
Temperature, humidity & wind
Conditions continue to change as the amount of solar energy decreases.
Temperature, humidity & wind
Conditions continue to change as the amount of solar energy decreases.
Temperature, humidity & wind
Conditions continue to change as the amount of solar energy decreases.
Light levels & colors
Surroundings start to darken, while colors start to turn grayish.
Light levels & colors
Surroundings start to darken, while colors start to turn grayish.
Light levels & colors
Surroundings start to darken, while colors start to turn grayish.
Reaction of nature
The behavior of animals and plants starts to be affected by falling levels of light.
Reaction of nature
The behavior of animals and plants starts to be affected by falling levels of light.
Reaction of nature
The behavior of animals and plants starts to be affected by falling levels of light.
Shadow bands
Faint waves of light may be seen moving across the ground and walls.
Nature returns to normal
Animals and plants are going back to their usual behavior.
Nature returns to normal
Animals and plants are going back to their usual behavior.
Nature returns to normal
Animals and plants are going back to their usual behavior.
Light levels & temperature
The conditions of the sky and surroundings are returning to normal.
Light levels & temperature
The conditions of the sky and surroundings are returning to normal.
Light levels & temperature
The conditions of the sky and surroundings are returning to normal.
Shadow bands
Faint waves of light may reappear along the ground and walls.
Moon bites Sun
Using eclipse glasses, the eclipse starts to become visible to the eye.
Moon bites Sun
Using eclipse glasses, the eclipse starts to become visible to the eye.
Moon bites Sun
Using eclipse glasses, the eclipse starts to become visible to the eye.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
Obscuration around 20%
One-fifth of the area of the Sun’s disk is covered by the Moon.
