Solar Eclipse August 1 2008

On August 1, 2008, a total solar eclipse will be visible in the Northern Hemisphere, specifically in northern parts of Canada, Greenland, Russia, Mongolia and China. For just under two and a half minutes, the sun will be completely blocked by the moon.¹

A partial solar eclipse will be visible in a much larger area, including parts of Canada, Europe and South Asia.¹

Fast Facts

1. Total solar eclipse will take place on August 1, 2008¹
2. Will be visible in northern Canada, Greenland, parts of Russia, Mongolia and China¹
3. A partial eclipse will be visible in a much greater area¹
4. Solar eclipse will not be visible from the U.S.²
5. Duration: 147 seconds at the greatest point³
6. Band of visibility: 236.9 km at the widest point³
7. Magnitude: 1.039³
8. Viewing a solar eclipse with the naked eye can cause permanent eye damage or blindness⁴
9. "Pinhole projectors" can be made for safe viewing⁴
10. About 25 percent of eclipses are total eclipses¹
11. Last total solar eclipse visible from the U.S. was in 1979¹
12. Next total solar eclipse: July 22, 2009⁵

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