TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSEPraia, Cape VerdeMonday 31 May 2049 · times in UTC-1

02 · TIMING

When does it happen?

The whole eclipse runs 3h 59m. All times are local, in UTC-1.

03 · DIRECTION

Where do I look?

At maximum the Sun stands 76° above the horizon, almost overhead, so anywhere with a view of the sky will do.

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

THE EXPERIENCE

What it will actually be like

At maximum the Moon sits wholly inside the Sun's disc and leaves a complete ring of sunlight. There is no corona and no darkness — the remaining ring is still far too bright to look at — but the light goes strange and flat, and shadows sharpen.

SAFETY

Looking at it without hurting yourself

Keep a certified solar filter on for every part of the eclipse except totality itself. During totality, and only then, it is safe to look with the naked eye — and the filter must go back on the instant the Sun reappears.

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