path of totality
Shadow's complete sweep
The path of totality is the narrow strip of Earth's surface where a total solar eclipse can be observed—where the moon completely blocks the sun.
Outside this path, viewers see only a partial eclipse.
The path typically spans about 100 miles wide and traces across continents as Earth rotates: We drove six hours to reach the path of totality.
- eclipse glassesFilters for viewing sun
- solar filterLight-dimming optical attachment
- first contactHumanity's alien introduction
- eclipse chaserOne pursuing astronomical occultations
- celestial eventObservable happening in space
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- eclipseseclipse, solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, partial eclipse, annular eclipse