A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, and the Moon fully or partially covers the Sun as viewed from some location on Earth.
This collection of global map overlays for Google Earth shows the paths of solar eclipse predictions through 2100 as compiled by Fred Espenak of NASA’s GSFC. Each eclipse track is identified by the calendar date at the instant of greatest eclipse (Universal Time). The position of greatest eclipse appears an asterisk symbol near the middle section of each path.
- A total eclipse occurs when the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. Total Eclipses are shown as blue paths.
- An annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. Annular Eclipses are shown as red bath.
- A hybrid eclipse transitions between a total and annular eclipse. Hybrid eclipses are shown as magenta paths
Also included is an overlay showing the path of the upcoming July 11, 2010 Total Solar Eclipse that will be visible in the south Pacific Ocean. This map was created by Jay Anderson.
Solar Eclipse Paths 2001-2100