Unless you’ve stood in the shadow of the moon and had your life changed by the experience, a total solar eclipse can be hard to understand. Where does it take place? Why is it only visible from a “stripe” of land? Where’s the best place to go?
These websites explain all the essentials for planning for April 8’s total solar eclipse—from planet-down perspectives and interactive maps to climate predictions and location-specific schedules for eclipse day you can save for later.
Here are the best websites for North America’s rare and spectacular total solar eclipse—the last in the contiguous U.S. until 2044.
The Best Eclipse Maps
Xavier Jubier’s Interactive Google Map
The industry-standard map for checking the suitability for any location, all you have to do is click on anywhere on the map and you’ll see data on exact eclipse timings, and much more besides. There are some hidden features, too—click on the word (MAX) next to “Maximum eclipse” and you’ll see a PeakFinder link to the terrain showing where the eclipse will be during totality. It’s also possible to see a sky brightness version just in ase you want to go stargazing before or after the eclipse. Don’t forget to turn on the timezone display to get the location-specific timings.
Eclipse2024’s Eclipse Simulator
Eclipse chaser Dan McGlaun takes the interactive eclipse map to the next level by introducing complete simulations of exactly what you’ll see from any location. As well as totality, it includes options for glare, the moon’s shadow, and which stars and planets you might see. Choose your location, watch the simulation and prepare yourself for what will happen.
GreatAmericanEclipse.com
Solar eclipses and cartography go back a long way but never have there been such a variety of maps that help explain and promote total solar eclipses. The author of the Atlas of Solar Eclipses – 2020 to 2045, cartographer Michael Zeiler provides myriad maps alongside flyover videos of the moon’s shadow, detailed information on each U.S. state and souvenirs galore—including the spiral-bound Field Guide to the 2023 and 2024 Solar Eclipses that’s ideal for off-grid eclipse-chasing.
Timeanddate
Norway-based website Timeandddate is one of the best out there for eclipses of all kinds. Its excellent interactive maps allow you to see an exact schedule for any location—including a figure for average cloud cover—and even save places to a shortlist. The different views include a more detailed map and one showing average cloud cover.
Perhaps the most useful service, however, is the eclipse look-up feature, which gives you a basic simulation alongside a very detailed schedule for any location that includes specific times to notice temperature changes, blurry shadows and the reaction of animals.
Best eclipse weather websites
Eclipsophile
If you ever wanted to know how eclipse chasers and tour companies plan their expeditions years in advance, here’s how. Jay Anderson, a meteorologist and eclipse-chaser, researches the climate of each path of totality in detail, providing average cloud cover statistics, satellite maps and much more besides. His helpful analysis makes it easy to choose a sensible place to stand in the moon’s shadow under clear skies or, at least, know what to expect. However, nothing is guaranteed—this website is for long-range planning—so be sure to revisit this site for weather forecasts in the few days before an eclipse.
Weather Spark
“The Weather Year Round Anywhere on Earth” is the claim—and Weather Spark does what it promises. Punch in the name of any location and you’ll get a detailed read-out of what to expect throughout the year—from temperature and humidity to rain and cloud.
Best eclipse events websites
The Eclipse Company
Does anyone need another interactive map for the eclipse? Probably not, but this one does something the others do not by adding a layer of confirmed eclipse events, making it much easier to see where everything is taking place within a region. Given how many rural areas April’s eclipse goes over, that can be an unenviable task. There’s also a layer for state parks, which will be critical places for drivers to head to on eclipse day—though you’ll likely need to have booked a day pass in advance. There’s also an app coming out designed to help eclipse chasers on the big day.
National Eclipse Events
Another helpful place to search for eclipse events is National Eclipse. From campgrounds and RV parks to science centers and organized observing events, there’s a lot to go through. Divided up by the state for April’s eclipse, you’ll also find links to remote rural communities that are planning to stage activities primarily for local residents—and that’s where to head for an authentic and memorable experience away from crowds.
Festival Guides & Events
All of these websites are the result of someone taking the initiative to solve a problem for eclipse chasers. A perfect example is Kristian Campana, who has painstakingly plotted on a Google Map the exact locations for eclipse festivals and festival-like celebrations, all which have live music and food vendors. Great job!
I’m an expert on eclipses—the editor of WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com and author of The Complete Guide To The Great North American Eclipse of April 8, 2024. For the very latest on the total solar eclipse—including travel and lodging options—check my main feed for new articles each day.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
