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How to View the Solar Eclipse from Arizona

The first total solar eclipse visible from the US mainland since 1979 occurs on August 21, 2017. Everyone with good weather conditions in the contiguous 48 states will get to take part in this rare celestial event. Those who live in the 70-mile wide path in 12 states, known as the zone of totality, will experience a complete solar eclipse. A narrow strip that crosses the US from Oregon to South Carolina will be plunged into full darkness during the day.

Arizonian observers outside this path will still see a partial solar eclipse where the moon covers part of the sun’s disk. Worldwide, the eclipse shadow covers less than 1% of Earth’s surface.

The eclipse will be viewable in Arizona starting around 9:15am, and will continue through around 12pm, depending on your exact location. This map from NASA can give you exact times to head outside on Monday.


Meteorologists can’t tell you with certainty what the weather will be in a certain location on the day of the eclipse, but Arizonians are likely to have clear skies. Just in case, pick a location with easy access to a highway system and plenty of parking that will allow you to relocate if weather threatens.

To be safe, make sure you have eclipse viewing glasses. They are available on a limited basis from local public libraries, and many event hosts will pass them out as well.

Join in the fun by going to one of these public events to learn more and enjoy the partial solar eclipse:

Meteor Crater 2017 viewing party

Doors open for the Meteor Crater Eclipse Viewing Party at 7:00am on August 21. They’ll have a limited number of solar viewing glasses on a first come, first serve basis. For this location, the partial eclipse will begin at 9:15 am, will reach its maximum at 10:36 am and will end at 12:03 pm. Event Location: Interstate 40, Exit 233, Winslow, AZ 86047

Pre-Eclipse Party

Arizona Museum of Natural History and ASU’s School for the Future of Innovation in Society have a pre-eclipse celebration on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 1:00-3:30 PM. The event is included with the price of your admission. Event Location: 53 N. MacDonald Mesa, AZ 85201

The Great American Eclipse Viewing Party at CGCC

Attend the Great American Solar Eclipse viewing party at Chandler-Gilbert Community College on August 21st from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. This free event is open to the public, and will take place in front of Ironwood Hall on the Pecos Campus. CGCC astronomers will be on hand with specialty telescopes. Event Location: 2626 E Pecos Rd Chandler, AZ 85225

University of Arizona Astronomy Club Viewing Party

Join the UA undergraduate Astronomy Club on the campus mall from 8:00 am-1:00pm. They’ll have a solar telescope, eclipse glasses and more. Event Location: Campus Mall, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721

The eclipse is a spectacle that deserves the effort to find a clear viewing location. The next big one to darken the continental US is April 8, 2024. Choose your viewing location carefully so you can take part in the 2017 Great American Eclipse.