SAN DIEGO — On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. San Diego, CA may not be directly in the path of totality for the April 8 solar eclipse, but people will be able to watch a partial eclipse for more than 2 hours.
What is the best time to see the eclipse in San Diego?
Here in San Diego, we’ll still get to see around 55% of the eclipse.
You’ll get to see the partial solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th in San Diego:
- Beginning at 10:03 a.m.
- Reaching its peak at 11:11 a.m.
- Then it’ll come to an end at 12:23 p.m.
How long will the eclipse be visible in San Diego?
The partial eclipse will last 2 hours and 20 minutes in San Diego, CA.
Where to watch the eclipse in San Diego
Anywhere there is a clear sky should be a good spot to view the partial eclipse.
If you want to be part of a larger group, you can join the Solar Eclipse viewing party at the Fleet Science Center. It will look similar to October 2023 when hundreds gathered to watch the partial viewing. And in true Fleet Science Center fashion, they’ll have another free educational and entertaining party at Balboa Park for this viewing. The Fleet has your eyes covered with plenty of glasses available and plenty of people who can offer their expertise.
Important to protect your eyes with special glasses
Special eclipse glasses are extremely important to keep your eyes safe during a solar eclipse. The only time it is safe to look directly at the eclipse with the naked eye is during totality - if you're located within the path of totality. Before and after, certified eclipse glasses should be worn to avoid eye damage.
Cameras, binoculars and telescopes must be outfitted with special solar filters for safe viewing.
The American Astronomical Society Solar Eclipse Task Force vetted sellers and compiled a list of trusted manufacturers and suppliers of eclipse glasses here.
If you already have solar viewers that aren't on the list, don't panic. The AAS Solar Eclipse Task Force says it's simply impossible to vet every manufacturer, and most of the time these products end up being safe.
The next solar eclipse visible in the U.S.
The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the contiguous United States will be August 23, 2044.
WATCH: In October 2023, San Diegans gathered for Ring of Fire eclipse at Fleet Science Center: