When the moon moves directly between the sun and the Earth, a solar eclipse occurs. Solar eclipses are spectacular to watch, but unfortunately, they only happen every once in a while. Eclipses don’t occur on any set schedule, so if you’re hoping to see one for yourself, you have to do your research.
Generally, solar eclipses occur every 18 months or so, but each eclipse is only visible from certain parts of the planet. This means researching your eclipses is extra important. So when was the last solar eclipse, and when is the next solar eclipse? Don’t worry, we have all the answers!
When Was the Last Solar Eclipse?
If you haven’t previously kept track of eclipses, you may be wondering — when was the last solar eclipse? In the United States, the last visible total solar eclipse happened on August 21, 2017. It was the first total eclipse visible in the United States since 1979. What’s more — August’s eclipse was the first one visible across the entire continent since 1918. So when is the next solar eclipse? Chances are, you don’t want to wait another hundred years for it to happen. Luckily, you won’t have to.
When Is the Next Solar Eclipse?
The next solar eclipse that will be visible in the United States will happen on October 14, 2023. This will be an annular eclipse rather than a total eclipse. During an annular eclipse, a ring of the sun’s light is still visible around the moon. People from Northern California to Florida will be able to watch it happen, so you better have your eclipse viewers handy!
If you’re holding out for a total eclipse, you still won’t have to wait long. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible in the United States will happen on April 8, 2024. It will be visible from Texas to Maine, so if you’re in that area, don’t forget to pick up some plastic eclipse glasses to keep your eyes safe.
Get Your Eclipse Glasses Today
Viewing a solar eclipse with your naked eyes is only safe during the moment of totality — that is, when the moon completely blocks out the sun. For the rest of the time, you need special eclipse viewing glasses or lenses to protect your eyes from the harmful, harsh sunlight. Make sure you keep track of your solar eclipse dates, so you’ll never have to ask, “when was the last solar eclipse” and worry you missed out!
At Rainbow Symphony, our eclipse glasses, shades, and viewers meet the standard for ISO 12312-2:2015. They are "CE" Certified and meet the requirements for safe direct solar viewing. Be sure to get your eclipse glasses from Rainbow Symphony for a safe viewing experience!
