ECLIPSE VIEWING GUIDE
How to Choose an Eclipse Viewing Location
Knowing that an eclipse is visible from your town is not the same as knowing whether you will actually be able to see it.
The Sun may be above the astronomical horizon but hidden behind a hill, skyline, building or trees.
A useful eclipse location combines the right astronomical geometry with a clear real-world sightline.
Confirm what type of eclipse your exact location sees.
Find the compass bearing of the Sun at maximum eclipse.
A low Sun is easier to lose behind terrain or buildings.
Astronomical visibility is not the same as an unobstructed view.
Turn the eclipse into a real direction.
SunPoint supports Eclipse mode for the 12 August 2026 event. Drop a pin or use your location to check local eclipse direction, solar azimuth, altitude and the map direction line where the calculation layer supports it.
- Local eclipse type where supported
- Maximum phase direction
- Solar altitude and azimuth
- Horizon planning from your pin
Start with totality or partial visibility, then check local Sun direction, altitude and real-world horizon obstructions.
Start with totality or partial visibility
First confirm whether your exact location is inside the path of totality or only in the partial-eclipse region. Do not infer this from a country or city name alone.
Check the exact event time
Eclipse circumstances vary by location. Maximum eclipse and totality timing can shift enough to matter for planning and photography.
Understand azimuth
Azimuth is the compass direction of the Sun. It tells you where to face from your chosen spot.
Understand altitude
Altitude is how high the Sun appears above the horizon. Low-altitude eclipses are much more vulnerable to buildings, hills and trees.
Check your real horizon
The astronomical horizon is not the horizon you actually see. Visit or inspect the intended site and look in the calculated direction.
Use SunPoint to check direction
Drop a pin on your intended viewing position and SunPoint can show the bearing of the Sun from that exact location.
Solar safety
Direct solar viewing during partial phases requires suitable eclipse glasses or another safe viewing method.
Ordinary sunglasses and cloud are not eye protection. Only observers confirmed inside complete totality may look directly during the brief fully total phase, and protection must be restored as soon as any bright solar surface reappears.
Authoritative sources and safety
Use authoritative eclipse data before travel and use proper solar-viewing protection during partial phases.
Photography and horizon tips
- Confirm whether your location is inside totality or partial visibility.
- Find the local time of maximum eclipse.
- Check the Sun's azimuth.
- Check the Sun's altitude.
- Visit or inspect the location.
- Look for hills, buildings, trees or terrain in the required direction.
- Have a backup location.
- Use appropriate solar viewing protection.
Frequently asked questions
Find your eclipse direction
Turn the eclipse into a real direction.
Open eclipse map →