Eclipse 2017 time: What time is the total solar eclipse in the US and UK?
A RARE total eclipse will darken skies in the US today, with those in the UK set to witness a lesser, but still impressive, partial eclipse. But what time will the incredible event happen?
Graphic video shows why you should never look at solar eclipse
Today marks the first time in 99 years that a total eclipse will cross the US from coast-to-coast.
Totality will begin Oregon at 10.19am PDT, and will travel through a total of 14 states until it ends in South Carolina at 2.44pm EDT.
Those under the path of totality will see the full effect of the Moon covering the Sun, leaving just a ring of hazy light (the solar corona).
The length of the eclipse depends entirely on location.
Its longest duration will be near Carbondale, Illinois, where the sun will be completely covered for two minutes and 40 seconds.
Those standing near the edge of the path will see totality for just a few seconds, while those who are not in the 70-mile ribbon will experience just a partial eclipse.
Eclipse 2017: Millions of Americans will witness a total solar eclipse today
What time is the total solar eclipse in the US?
The time of the eclipse will depend on where you are located.
Those who are under the path of totality will get the best view, however every person in the US will see at least a partial eclipse.
Here is a list of just some of the cities that will see the total eclipse, with start and end times, and when totality will take place.
Eclipse begins | Totality begins | Totality ends | Eclipse ends | ||
Madras, OR | 09:06 a.m. | 10:19 a.m. | 10:21 a.m. | 11:41 a.m. | PDT |
Idaho Falls, ID | 10:15 a.m. | 11:33 a.m. | 11:34 a.m. | 12:58 p.m. | MDT |
Casper, WY | 10:22 a.m. | 11:42 a.m. | 11:45 a.m. | 01:09 p.m. | MDT |
Lincoln, NE | 11:37 a.m. | 01:02 p.m. | 01:04 p.m. | 02:29 p.m. | CDT |
Jefferson City, MO | 11:46 a.m. | 01:13 p.m. | 01:15 p.m. | 02:41 p.m. | CDT |
Carbondale, IL | 11:52 a.m. | 01:20 p.m. | 01:22 p.m. | 02:47 p.m. | CDT |
Paducah, KY | 11:54 a.m. | 01:22 p.m. | 01:24 p.m. | 02:49 p.m. | CDT |
Nashville, TN | 11:58 a.m. | 01:27 p.m. | 01:29 p.m. | 02:54 p.m. | CDT |
Clayton, GA | 01:06 p.m. | 02:35 p.m. | 02:38 p.m. | 04:01 p.m. | EDT |
Columbia, SC | 01:03 p.m. | 02:41 p.m. | 02:44 p.m. | 04:06 p.m. | EDT |
What time is the solar eclipse in the UK?
The UK will witness a partial eclipse, when the Moon will appear to take a bite out of the Sun.
The phenomenon will take place at sunset, when the Sun is near the horizon.
To get the best view, head to a high point or find a place with an unobstructed view to west-northwest.
Here is a list of when the eclipse will be seen from across the UK.
Eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Eclipse ends | BST | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 7.37pm | 8.00pm | 8.23pm | BST |
Brighton | 7.40pm | 8.05pm | 8.29pm | BST |
Cardiff | 7.41pm | 8.08pm | 8.34pm | BST |
Dublin | 7.38pm | 8.03pm | 8.27pm | BST |
Edinburgh | 7.38pm | 7.58pm | 8.18pm | BST |
Glasgow | 7.37pm | 7.58pm | 8.19pm | BST |
London | 7.40pm | 8.04pm | 8.28pm | BST |
Manchester | 7.39pm | 8.02pm | 8.24pm | BST |
Norwich | 7.40pm | 8.20pm | 8.24pm | BST |
Plymouth | 7.40pm | 8.07pm | 8.33pm | BST |
The eclipse will reveal the solar corona
How to watch the total eclipse
Those hoping to watch today’s eclipse, whether in the UK or US, should use protective eyewear.
The only time that it is safe to look directly at the Sun is during totality.
At any other time, eclipse glasses should be worn to block the Sun’s dangerous rays.
Eclipse glasses are widely available, however those who are unable to find any should use a pinhole projector.
Simply punch a small hole in a piece of card and use this to project the eclipse onto the ground or a piece of paper.