Total or partial eclipse ?
In France, the eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse, whilst it will be total in northern Spain. However, as the path of totality (where the eclipse is total) runs very close to France, the percentage of the Sun that is eclipsed will be high, guaranteeing a spectacular sight!
What will we see?
The eclipse will be visible across the whole of France. The percentage of the Sun that is eclipsed will depend on where you are observing it from. In the south of France, it will be close to 99 per cent. It will decrease as you move northwards from the south, where it will be 90 per cent.
Depending on your location, only 1 to 10 per cent of the Sun’s surface will therefore remain visible in the form of a thin crescent!
An unusual and rare spectacle!
What time is the eclipse taking place?
Be ready from 7 pm! The eclipse will begin at approximately 7.15 pm to 7.30 pm, depending on where you are in France. The Moon will then gradually begin to obscure the Sun.
The eclipse will reach its peak between 8.14 pm and 8.27 pm, depending on your location.
The Moon will then gradually move away from the Sun, and the eclipse will end between 9.05 pm and 9.20 pm. However, for much of central and eastern France, the very end of the eclipse will not be visible as the Sun will have set just before then.
From start to finish, the eclipse lasts almost two hours: plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle and share it with others!
For accurate, up-to-date local information about your viewing location, visit our website eclipseop.obspm.fr or scan this QR code.
Where can I watch it?
The eclipse will take place in the late afternoon, before sunset: you will therefore need to look towards the west.
Also, as the Sun will be low on the horizon, you’ll need to make sure you find a spot where the western horizon is completely unobstructed, with no trees or buildings in the way, so you can enjoy the spectacle. Finding a higher vantage point is also a good option!
How can you observe safely?
The only way to ensure you can view the eclipse safely is to get hold of special eclipse glasses that meet European standards. These glasses are available from a wide range of outlets for between 1 and 7 euros each (pharmacies, opticians, etc.), or are included with certain magazines and books currently on sale. Make sure you plan ahead!
Don’t take any risks: neither for yourself nor for those around you. Eye damage caused by the sun is painless, and some of it is irreversible!
Another alternative is to observe using a projection. Place two sheets of paper facing the Sun, about 50 cm apart, with a small hole punched in the first one. The image of the Sun passes through the hole in the first sheet and is projected onto the second. You can use this principle with a shoebox, the edges of which will block out the light inside to produce a sharper image. This activity is suitable for children, and also allows you to take a break during observation to rest your eyes and neck!
Also remember to protect your equipment (smartphone, camera, binoculars) with suitable filters. If you do not have filters on your binoculars, camera or telescope, do not under any circumstances look through the eyepiece: it concentrates sunlight even more than the eye does and thus exposes you to the risk of even more serious damage.
Learn more
Find:
– our specially produced educational guide, complete with glasses : Trois éclipses en lumière
– a previous article on the subject: https://lte.observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/Two-summers-and-one-winter-three-rare-events-the-Iberian-trilogy-of-eclipses?lang=en
– our newsletter which this month – as in previous issues – includes a dedicated section entitled "Des éclipses en lumières"
