Total solar eclipse of December 4, 2021

Total eclipse

Key facts

Date
December 4, 2021
Type
Total eclipse
Duration of totality at eclipse maximum
1 min 54 s
Global eclipse maximum
at 07:34 UTC UTC (Coordinated Universal Time): the worldwide time standard, independent of local time zones and daylight saving time.
Coordinates of greatest eclipse
76.8° S – 46.2° W
Path width at maximum
about 418 km
Saros series Number of the Saros series to which the eclipse belongs: similar eclipses recur about every 18 years and 11 days, with a comparable type and path, though not over the same locations each time.
152
Visibility map — Total eclipse on December 4, 2021

Choose a location anywhere on Earth to see if the eclipse will be visible, check local times, and watch it unfold in an animation.

Explore the eclipse

The path of totality of this solar eclipse lies almost entirely over Antarctica. At Base Orcadas the Sun disappears for about 59 seconds; the global maximum lasts 1 min 54 s. South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Tristan da Cunha see only a partial phase.

Path of totality

Regions
Antarctica
Example destinations
Antarctica
Example locations
Orcadas Base

To look at the Sun: eclipse glasses, except during totality at your location.

Orcadas BaseAntarctica

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon starts covering the Sun
Start of totality
Sat, Dec 4
The solar disc is completely covered by the Moon
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Maximum obscuration
End of totality
Sat, Dec 4
The Sun reappears — eclipse glasses required
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

Areas with a partial eclipse

Regions
South Georgia, Falkland Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Antarctica
Example destinations
South GeorgiaFalkland IslandsTristan da CunhaAntarctica
Example locations
King Edward PointStanleyEdinburgh of the Seven SeasMarambio BaseEsperanza Base

To look at the Sun: eclipse glasses for the whole eclipse.

King Edward PointSouth Georgia

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Sunrise
Sat, Dec 4
Sun’s centre on the horizon
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon starts covering the Sun
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Maximum obscuration
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

StanleyFalkland Islands

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
Sun not yet risen
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Sun not yet risen
Sunrise
Sat, Dec 4
Sun’s centre on the horizon
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

Edinburgh of the Seven SeasTristan da Cunha

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Sunrise
Sat, Dec 4
Sun’s centre on the horizon
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon starts covering the Sun
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Maximum obscuration
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

Marambio BaseAntarctica

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon starts covering the Sun
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Maximum obscuration
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

Esperanza BaseAntarctica

View the eclipse
Key moment Local time Obscuration Comment
Partial — start
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon starts covering the Sun
Maximum
Sat, Dec 4
Maximum obscuration
Partial — end
Sat, Dec 4
The Moon no longer covers the Sun

Watch a solar eclipse safely

To look directly at the Sun, use eclipse glasses that conform to ISO 12312-2 and are in good condition. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide enough protection.

You may look at the Sun without glasses only during totality at your observing location, when its disc is completely covered by the Moon. Put them back on as soon as the Sun begins to reappear. During a partial or annular eclipse, eclipse glasses remain necessary for any direct viewing.

Do not use binoculars, a telescope, a camera, or any other optical instrument unless it is fitted with a suitable solar filter placed in front of the optics. Eclipse glasses are not sufficient in this case.

The information and times shown are provided for guidance only. Each observer must check local conditions and follow the applicable safety guidelines.

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Calculations and simulation based on the Besselian elements of Fred Espenak (NASA/GSFC)

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