On August 21 a total solar eclipse will move over the U.S. for the first time in nearly 40 years. While not every everyone will be lucky enough to see the phenomenon in its totality—only 14 states will have total visibility of the eclipse—Northern California will be able to catch 75 percent coverage.
And starting at 10:15 a.m. PDT, the Bay Area will be able to catch it for roughly two minutes. (According to NASA, “the longest period when the moon obscures the sun's entire surface from any given location along its path will last about two minutes and 40 seconds.”) This sighting is rare, and you won’t want to miss it.
We’ve mapped a few choice spots in the East Bay with high vantage points and great views of the sky that will give you a clear view of the partial eclipse. And for those of you stuck in SF, here are the best places to see the celestial moment, provided the weather clears up.
Remember: Sunglasses won’t work to see it. You need to use the solar-eclipse-approved filters. Staring at the sun without them will cause serious retina damage.
And if this is your first solar eclipse, here are eight tips from the pros on how to watch.
Update: As of Monday morning, low fog has blanketed San Francisco and parts of the Bay Area. The outlook appears grim. But if you want to see the solar eclipse, traveling inland will be your best bet.
Otherwise, you can watch it via livestream.
- A solar eclipse is coming to America. Here’s what you’ll see where you live. [Vox]
- Planning for your first total solar eclipse? Here are 8 tips from the pros on how to watch. [Vox]
- Solar eclipse: 10 best places to view it in San Francisco [Curbed SF]
- Solar eclipse 2017: What we’ll see in San Francisco [Curbed SF]
- Where to find eclipse glasses in the Bay Area [Curbed SF]