The solar eclipse visible from Phoenix, Arizona, depends on the specific eclipse event you’re referring to, as solar eclipses occur at different times and years. However, I’ll provide details for the October 14, 2023, Annular Solar Eclipse and the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse, both of which are notable events for North America.
October 14, 2023: Annular Solar Eclipse
Phoenix, Arizona, will experience the annular phase of this eclipse, often referred to as a “ring of fire” eclipse. Here are the key timings for Phoenix:
- Partial Eclipse Begins (First Contact): 9:08 AM MST
- Annular Eclipse Begins (Ring of Fire): 10:28 AM MST
- Maximum Eclipse: 10:34 AM MST
- Annular Eclipse Ends: 10:40 AM MST
- Partial Eclipse Ends (Last Contact): 12:04 PM MST
Duration of Annularity: Approximately 6 minutes.
Visibility: The annular phase will be visible across parts of Arizona, including Phoenix. Weather permitting, observers will see the Sun as a bright ring surrounding the Moon.
April 8, 2024: Total Solar Eclipse
Phoenix is not in the path of totality for this eclipse, but it will still experience a partial solar eclipse. Here are the timings:
- Partial Eclipse Begins: 10:10 AM MST
- Maximum Eclipse: 11:16 AM MST
- Partial Eclipse Ends: 12:26 PM MST
Visibility: Approximately 60% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon during the peak of the eclipse.
Important Safety Tips
- Never look directly at the Sun during a partial or annular eclipse without proper eye protection, such as ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses.
- For the 2024 eclipse, only those in the path of totality (not Phoenix) can safely view the eclipse with the naked eye during the brief totality phase.
Why Timings Vary
Eclipse timings depend on your geographic location and the Moon’s shadow path. Phoenix’s position relative to the eclipse path determines whether it experiences a total, annular, or partial eclipse, as well as the specific start and end times.
For precise, up-to-date information, use reliable eclipse calculators or apps like TimeandDate.com or NASA’s eclipse website.
Can I see the 2024 total solar eclipse from Phoenix?
+No, Phoenix is not in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, eclipse. It will only experience a partial eclipse.
What’s the difference between an annular and total solar eclipse?
+In an annular eclipse, the Moon appears smaller than the Sun, creating a “ring of fire.” In a total eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun, revealing the Sun’s corona.
How can I safely watch the eclipse?
+Use ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector. Never look directly at the Sun without protection.
