The total solar eclipse in the United States is a rare phenomenon. This is the first time total solar eclipse has been visible in the U.S. mainland since 1979, when it could be seen in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota. But the last time a solar eclipse stretched across the entire U.S., from coast to coast like today’s, was in 1918. We won’t have another total solar eclipse in the U.S. until 2024. But not everyone in the U.S. can get away from work and make it to the path of totality. If you won’t have a chance to watch the eclipse in person, you can still watch it live here online.
You can watch the solar eclipse on NASA’s live stream above. It will begin at noon Eastern with a pre-show, and prior to that you’ll see NASA’s regular programming. The live stream is provided by NASA and will cover the eclipse from coast-to-coast in 14 states, plus views from aircraft, high-altitude balloons, and even the International Space Station. The stream will also look at special events across the country celebrating the eclipse. The live stream above will show NASA’s regular programming until it begins with a preview show at 12 p.m. Eastern, followed by the eclipse live stream starting at 1 p.m. Eastern above and here. NASA’s live stream can also be viewed on Ustream and Twitch TV.
If for any reason the live stream above doesn’t work, or if you would like to see additional live stream options, see more streams and links below.
The solar eclipse itself can be seen Monday, August 21 at 9:06 a.m. PDT in Madras, Oregon, 10:15 a.m. MDT in Idaho Falls, 11:37 a.m. CDT in Lincoln, Nebraska, 11:46 a.m. CDT in Jefferson City, Missouri, 11:58 a.m. CDT in Nashville, and 1:13 p.m. EDT in Columbia, South Carolina, just to name a few of the cities it will be passing over.
Major Broadcast Network Live Streams
Many major broadcast networks are showing live streams of the eclipse. ABC’s is below:
And next is CBS’ live stream coverage:
And NBC’s coverage:
Virtual Telescope Project
The Virtual Telescope Project will live stream the solar eclipse too, starting at Noon Eastern. It features a live stream from Italian astrophysicist Gianluca Masi.
Slooh’s Coast-to-Coast Live Stream in Spanish
Slooh’s live stream will begin at 11:30 a.m. Eastern (10:30 a.m. Central.) Slooh’s live stream will cover the entire solar eclipse, from coast to coast across the country. Astronomers will also be online to provide expert commentary. You can watch the live stream at this link, but a membership is required. However, Slooh does offer a 30-day free trial.
You can watch Slooh’s Spanish language version of the live stream below:
TimeandDate.com Live Stream with Slooh.com
This stream starts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern and will show the eclipse from multiple locations with real-time updates.
Astronomy.com 4k Live Stream
See a gorgeous live stream in 4k from Astronomy.com below. This one is airing live from Denver, where there will be 92 percent totality.
Additional Live Streams
USA Today is teaming with Instagram to live stream the eclipse, including real-time broadcasts from journalists in areas of totality around the country.
CNN will be offering a 360-degree live stream from multiple locations starting at 1 p.m. Eastern. This is a 4K event streamed here and on CNN’s mobile apps. It will also be available in VR with Samsung Gear VR.
Want to see NASA cover the eclipse with less scripting? Watch NASA Edge for 4.5 hours starting at 11:45 a.m. Eastern. This megacast will be at Southern Illinois University Carbondale along the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Lunt Solar Systems. The live stream will be added here.
You can also watch a live stream event when 55 high-altitude balloon teams work with NASA to cover the eclipse from way up high. Watch it here.
You can also watch coverage on the Science Channel here.
The Elephant Sanctuary will show live streams of 13 EleCams, so observers can see how the elephants react to the solar eclipse. It begins at Noon Eastern, and the eclipse reaches totality at 1:30 p.m. Eastern. You can watch it on Facebook Live here.
Solar Eclipse Mobile Live Stream Apps
Exploratorium is covering the solar eclipse from two different locations. You can watch it here or on Android or iOS.
