A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow that partially or completely blocks the Sun’s light. California frequently views these celestial events, typically experiencing only the partial phase.
The next significant solar eclipse offering widespread visibility across California will be a partial event on Monday, January 14, 2029. This morning eclipse occurs when the Moon’s penumbral shadow, the lighter outer part of the shadow, sweeps across North America. The Moon will only cover a portion of the Sun’s disk from any location in the state.
California residents will observe the Moon taking a substantial “bite” out of the Sun, with the maximum obscuration varying geographically. Because the event takes place in the early morning, viewers will need a clear view of the eastern horizon to catch the initial phases.
Viewing Details Across Major California Regions
The partial eclipse on January 14, 2029, is a morning event, with local timings varying by only minutes across major population centers. The percentage of the Sun obscured, known as the maximum coverage, is the most notable difference between regions.
In the south, San Diego will see the partial eclipse begin at approximately 7:05 a.m. PST, reaching its maximum obscuration of about 52% around 8:19 a.m. PST. Los Angeles will experience a similar timeline, starting at 7:07 a.m. PST and peaking at 8:21 a.m. PST, achieving a maximum coverage of 51.73%.
Moving northward, the San Francisco Bay Area will see the eclipse starting at 7:24 a.m. PST, right around sunrise for many locations. The maximum eclipse for San Francisco will occur at 8:22 a.m. PST, covering 56.34% of the Sun’s diameter. Further inland, Sacramento will see the partial phase begin at 7:22 a.m. PST, reaching its maximum around 8:26 a.m. PST, with an obscuration of approximately 50.8%. In all of these regions, the partial phase will conclude around 9:45 a.m. PST.
Essential Viewing Safety Guidelines
Observing a solar eclipse requires stringent safety precautions, as looking directly at the Sun can cause serious and permanent eye damage, known as solar retinopathy. The only safe way to look directly at the partially eclipsed or uneclipsed Sun is through specialized solar filters that comply with the international safety standard ISO 12312-2.
Certified eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers reduce the intensity of visible sunlight and block harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Standard sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not adequate and should never be used for eclipse viewing. Always inspect your eclipse glasses for any scratches, punctures, or tears before use, as even small defects can compromise safety.
A safe alternative for viewing the event indirectly is using a pinhole projector, which casts an image of the eclipsed Sun onto a secondary surface. Simple homemade devices can be constructed using a piece of cardboard with a small hole, allowing the image of the crescent Sun to be projected onto the ground or a wall.
Future Eclipses Impacting California
While the January 2029 event is the next significant solar eclipse, the state will have to wait considerably longer for a total solar eclipse to cross its boundaries. The next total solar eclipse with a path of totality that will sweep across the contiguous United States is projected for August 12, 2045. This highly anticipated event is set to have a path that crosses the entire country, including the northern parts of California.
This total eclipse will offer viewers in the path a rare opportunity to see the Sun’s corona, but only for a few minutes. Another significant event to note is the total solar eclipse occurring on March 30, 2052, which will also offer a partial view for California residents.