PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSECotonou, BeninThursday 2 August 2046 · times in UTC+1

02 · TIMING

When does it happen?

The whole eclipse runs 2h 39m. All times are local, in UTC+1.

03 · DIRECTION

Where do I look?

At maximum the Sun stands 51° above the horizon to the east — high enough to clear most buildings and trees.

The Sun's height and bearing at maximum, from Cotonou. The horizon is at 0°.

THE EXPERIENCE

What it will actually be like

A distinct bite is taken out of the Sun, reaching 58.6% at maximum. Daylight barely changes — the eye adapts far too well for that — so this is an eclipse you have to know about to notice. Use a filter; the remaining Sun is as dangerous as an uneclipsed one.

SAFETY

Looking at it without hurting yourself

A certified solar filter stays on for the whole eclipse. The Sun is never completely covered here, and what remains is as dangerous to look at as an uneclipsed Sun. Sunglasses are not a filter.

Sunglasses, smoked glass, exposed film and phone screens are not filters. If you can see anything else through it, it is not dark enough.

How to watch safely, in full

NEXT FROM COTONOU

What else is coming here?

The rest of what the sky over Cotonou has coming, soonest first.

• 31 May 2049 Monday afternoon · Partial 90.5%
• 30 April 2060 Friday morning · Partial 91.5%
• 24 October 2060 Sunday morning · Partial 74.7%
• 6 December 2067 Tuesday afternoon · Partial 91.5%
• 31 March 2071 Tuesday afternoon · Partial 59.4%

Every eclipse visible from Cotonou