PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSEXi'an, ChinaSaturday 27 January 2074 · times in UTC+8

02 · TIMING

When does it happen?

The whole eclipse runs 2h 33m. All times are local, in UTC+8.

03 · DIRECTION

Where do I look?

At maximum the Sun is only 21° above the horizon to the south-west, so you will want an open view in that direction.

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

THE EXPERIENCE

What it will actually be like

A distinct bite is taken out of the Sun, reaching 56.9% 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