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How to Use: 3D Eclipse Map

The 3D Eclipse Map shows where a solar or lunar eclipse is visible, when it starts and ends in each location, and what it looks like there. It uses a 3D model of Earth.

How to Use the 3D Eclipse Map

  • The eclipse is visible in the shaded areas on the map.
    • For solar eclipses, the colors indicate how much of the Sun is covered by the Moon at the maximum point of the eclipse in each location. The lighter the shading, the smaller the fraction of the Sun's disk that is obscured. See the map legend for the approximate obscuration percentage associated with each color.
    • For lunar eclipses, the colors show how much of the eclipse is visible in a location. The lighter the shading, the fewer stages that can be seen. See the map legend for more information.
  • If you are looking at a total solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse, the dark red strip in the center marks areas where the Moon appears centrally in front of the Sun and the main stage of the eclipse (total or annular) is visible. This red strip is missing for partial solar eclipses.
  • To see what the eclipse will look like in a specific location and to get local start and end times, click on the location on the map. Alternatively, search for a location by typing its name into the search field. You can also enter geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).
  • You can pin a location on the map so it remains visible even when you select a different location. Simply click on the location on the map, then click on Pin in the bottom-left corner of the pop-up window. To remove the location, click on Unpin. Be aware that pinned locations will not be saved when you leave the page.
  • To go to and see the local start and end times for your current location, click on the target symbol next to the location search field.
  • The Reset button takes you back to the location you were looking at when opening the map.
  • Turn the globe by clicking, holding, and dragging it in any direction. To zoom in or out, use the plus and minus buttons in the bottom-right corner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why isn't my town included?

Our database of locations includes thousands of cities worldwide, and we now offer an additional 6 million places via the GeoNames database. If you still don't find your town, please let us know, and we will consider adding it.

Why is my country or area not shown on the map?

Although your country or area may not currently be shown on your screen, it is definitely included as the 3D Eclipse Map shows a model of the entire globe.

To move the map to a different location, please drag it in any direction with your mouse. Zooming out by clicking on the minus button in the bottom-right corner might also help. To go directly to your current location, click on the target symbol next to the location search field.

How accurate is the eclipse information shown on the map?

The eclipse information presented on the map is determined mathematically to a high degree of accuracy. It is consistent with all of the most reputable sources in the field.

However, total accuracy is impossible to achieve, so, depending on the circumstances, the exact position and size of each shaded area may be off by a few hundred meters. So, if you are in a location that is very close to the edge of the area experiencing totality or annularity during a solar eclipse, it may be wise to move a few hundred meters toward the center of that area to be on the safe side.

What does the percentage in the map legend mean?

For solar eclipses, the percentage shows how much of the Sun's disk will be covered by the Moon at a specific location. The shadings show the maximum level of obscuration for each location.

How do I find more info about this eclipse?

For global information about the eclipse, click on the "Eclipse information" link in the menu under the page title. For local information, including an animation of what the eclipse looks like at the selected location, enter the location name into the search field, then click on the location name or the blue "play" button after duration in the info box that appears.

What does magnitude mean?

You will find an explanation of eclipse magnitudes here.

What does maximum and local max mean?

Solar Eclipses

For solar eclipses, Maximum is the moment when the area of the Sun's disk that is covered by the Moon is greatest, as seen from the perspective of the selected location. After that moment, the Moon starts to move away from the Sun again.

Our calculations of the maximum point of a solar eclipse at a specific location only account for the time span when the entire Sun is visible above the horizon there. If the Sun sets as the covered portion of the Sun increases, or if it rises as the covered portion decreases, the eclipse may reach a slightly greater magnitude during the time when only part of the Sun's disk is visible.

Lunar Eclipses

For lunar eclipses, Maximum is the moment when the Moon is closest to the center of Earth's shadow. For locations where the Moon is below the horizon at that moment, Local max is shown in addition. This is the instant when the eclipse reaches its greatest magnitude while the entire Moon is above the horizon in the selected location.

The local max usually occurs either just after moonrise or just before moonset. Please note that moonrise and moonset times assume a flat horizon, which is at the same altitude as the observer. This means that the Moon may not be visible at the moment of local max if there are obstacles in the way, such as hills, buildings, or clouds.

Are the times local?

Yes, all times for the beginning, maximum, and end of the eclipse are local times in the selected location.

The time has the wrong format. How do I change between the 24-hour and AM/PM clock?

Our system supports both 24-hour and 12-hour (am/pm) clock formats. To change the format, please go to My Units and make a selection in the Time Format drop-down, and click Save Settings.

The city search lists several places with the same name. Which is the one I'm looking for?

When you type the location into the search field and it suggests several places by the same name, first have a look at the country flag and the description in parentheses to identify the city you are looking for. If it is still unclear, click on one of the locations and check the geographical position on the map.

Can I use ZIP or other postal codes to search for a city?

Yes, our city search engine supports ZIP and postal codes for the United States (5-digit ZIP codes only), Canada (first 3 letters/digits only), Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Norway.

How does your algorithm work? Can you help me program my own?

We are a small team with very extensive websites to manage, so, unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to share detailed information about our algorithms or provide programming help.

Where can I find more information about the site and its services?

The General FAQ Page answers your questions about timeanddate.com, our services, site-wide settings, customization options, advertising opportunities, and copyright policies.

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