total solar eclipse

Total solar eclipse of 14 December 2020

At greatest eclipse the Moon's disc spans 0.5464° against the Sun's 0.5419° — a ratio of 1.0082. Because the Moon appears larger, it covers the Sun completely and totality is possible.

Where the axis meets Earth

Latitude at greatest eclipse

-40.35°

Longitude at greatest eclipse

-67.95°

This is the point where the shadow axis passes closest to Earth's centre, not the full path of the eclipse. Local circumstances depend on where you stand.

Why eclipses come in seasons

The Moon's orbit is tilted about 5° to the ecliptic, so at most new and full moons it passes above or below the alignment. An eclipse needs the syzygy to coincide with the Moon being near one of the two nodes where the orbits cross. At this eclipse the Moon's ecliptic latitude was -0.293° — close enough to zero for the shadow to connect.

Times computed from VSOP87 and an ELP-derived lunar theory, validated against NOVAS and JPL Horizons to within one arcminute. See the alignment for yourself in the live simulation.