Timeline from Northampton
Start: 2:12 p.m.
Maximum: 3:28 p.m.
End: 4:38 p.m.
How Rare Are Eclipses?
- Each year there are a minimum of 4 eclipses—2 solar and 2 lunar.
- 0–3 lunar eclipses per year (penumbral, partial, total)
- 2–5 solar eclipses per year (partial, annular, total, hybrid)
- There are total solar eclipses 66 times per century (once every 18 months)
- Any one place on Earth has a chance of seeing 1 total eclipse every 375 years on average.
When Do I Need a Filter?
You need a filter (special eclipse glasses—not regular sunglasses!) to view the eclipse during all partial phases (about one hour each on either side of the peak eclipse).
During totality (only about 0–4 minutes long), you do not need a filter.
