We’re often asked, “When is the next eclipse happening?” There’s good reason for that––a solar eclipse is a unique experience that should not be missed.
That’s why we’ve put together this handy total solar eclipse calendar and primer to get you ready for the future events on the horizon. Here’s what you need to know:
There Are Different Kinds of Solar Eclipses
Not all solar eclipses are alike. In fact, there are four different types of solar eclipses:
- Partial eclipse
- Annular eclipse
- Total eclipse
- Hybrid eclipse
A partial solar eclipse is when––you guessed it––only part of the sun is covered by the moon. The end result is that the moon appears to take a “bite” out of the sun.
An annular eclipse occurs when the sun’s center is obscured by the moon while its edges are still visible. This produces a ring, known as the annulus, around the edges of the moon.
In some cases, one part of the Earth will experience an annular eclipse while another part of the Earth will see a total eclipse. This is known as a hybrid eclipse, which is fairly uncommon, making it a rare phenomenon within a rare phenomenon. The last hybrid eclipse occurred in 2014 and the next hybrid eclipse is not projected to happen again until April of 2043.
When the sun is completely covered by the moon, that’s what is known as a total solar eclipse. In this extraordinary event, the moon appears close enough to our planet to totally obscure the almighty sun.
When a total solar eclipse occurs, a shadow is cast on the Earth’s surface to block its rays during the daytime, and it’s truly a spectacle to behold. The total eclipse can allow observers to view the aura of plasma surrounding the sun, known as the corona, and the Baily's beads/diamond ring effect, which displays its final bead of sunlight in the form of a shining diamond around the lunar shadow.
So When Is The Next Eclipse?
Rainbow Symphony’s total solar eclipse calendar shows that the next total solar eclipse will take place on July 2, 2019. The total eclipse will be viewable from some portions of Chile and Argentina. There are some regions in South America, such as Brazil and Paraguay, which will see a partial solar eclipse.
In fact, the next two total solar eclipses will be visible in the South American continent, with another total eclipse occurring over the South Pacific, Chile, Argentina and into Antarctica on December 14th, 2020.
The next total solar eclipse in North America will occur on April 8, 2024, with areas spanning Mexico, the United States, and Canada being able to see the incredible celestial event.
Below, we’ve outlined a complete calendar of the total, partial, and annular eclipses happening between 2018 and the 2024 total eclipse in North America.
Stock Up On Eclipse Viewers Today
Don’t be caught off guard! Eclipse glasses and other eclipse viewing devices sell out quickly in the weeks and months leading up to these amazing––and popular––events. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment you need to make the most of the next eclipse.
Stock up on our quality eclipse glasses and eclipse viewers, all of which are "CE" Certified and ISO Compliant, meeting the requirements of scale 12-16 of EN 169/1992 for safe direct solar eclipse viewing. Whether you need paper eclipse shades for your friends and family or solar filters to properly photograph these dazzling spectacles, Rainbow Symphony has you covered. Browse our selection and place your order online today!
Eclipse Calendar
| Date | Eclipse Type | Viewable Location |
|---|---|---|
| January 6, 2019 | Partial | Asia |
| July 2, 2019 | Total | South Pacific, Chile, Argentina |
| December 26, 2019 | Annular | Saudi Arabia, India, Sumatra, Borneo |
| June 21, 2020 | Annular | Central Africa, South Asia, China |
| December 14, 2020 | Total | South Pacific, Chile, Argentina |
| June 10, 2021 | Annular | Canada, Greenland, Russia |
| December 4, 2021 | Total | Antarctica |
| April 30, 2022 | Partial | Pacific, South America |
| October 25 2022 | Partial | Europe, Africa, Middle East |
| April 20, 2023 | Hybrid | Indonesia, Australia, Papua New Guinea |
| October 14, 2023 | Annular | Central America, Columbia, Brazil |
| April 8, 2024 | Total | Mexico, United States, Canada |
