PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSEKolkata, IndiaWednesday 21 May 2031 · times in UTC+5:30

02 · TIMING

When does it happen?

The whole eclipse runs 3h 13m. All times are local, in UTC+5:30.

03 · DIRECTION

Where do I look?

At maximum the Sun stands 60° above the horizon to the west — high enough to clear most buildings and trees.

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

THE EXPERIENCE

What it will actually be like

A distinct bite is taken out of the Sun, reaching 47% 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 KOLKATA

What else is coming here?

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

• 3 November 2032 Wednesday morning · Partial 2.7%
• 20 March 2034 Monday afternoon · Partial 53.7%
• 2 September 2035 Sunday morning · Partial 39.4%
• 20 April 2042 Sunday morning · Partial 17.7%
• 17 February 2064 Sunday afternoon · Partial 79.3%

Every eclipse visible from Kolkata