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Who uses travelmath.

Companies like United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Ryanair use Travelmath to re-route passengers and plan new flight paths.

Celebrities love Travelmath!

"Travelmath is the one app I couldn't live without - it calculates all your journey timings and because I travel a lot, it's essential. Whoever invented Travelmath, I love you! " – Drew Barrymore

"There's a website called Travelmath, it's really good if you're into flight times. "  – Blake Griffin

Dirtiest Public Transit

See the research from our Travelmath study on public transportation hygiene. How does the New York subway rank against Chicago, DC, SF, and Boston?   Read the full study!

Germiest Hotel Rooms

See even more research from our Travelmath study on hotel hygiene. Spoiler alert: Don't turn on the TV...   Read the full study!

   Travel Tools

What is travelmath.

Travelmath is an online trip calculator that helps you find answers quickly. If you're planning a trip, you can measure things like travel distance and travel time . To keep your budget under control, use the travel cost tools.

You can also browse information on flights including the distance and flight time. Or use the section on driving to compare the distance by car, or the length of your road trip.

Type in any location to search for your exact destination .

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How do i search.

To get started, enter your starting point and destination into the boxes above. If you want an airport , it's best to enter the 3-letter IATA code if you know it. For cities , include the state or country if possible.

You can also enter more general locations like a state or province , country, island , zip code, or even some landmarks by name.

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Drive Time Calculator

How to use drive time calculator, estimated time of arrival, travel time to home, meet the creator of the drive time calculator.

The drive time calculator – also known as the travel time calculator, is our innovative tool created exclusively for drivers. It helps you find out the estimated time of arrival (ETA) at your car trip destination and determine the fuel costs of the journey.

So, if you are planning a vacation trip with friends in a seaside resort or would like to estimate the travel time to home by car, check out our drive time calculator!

Our drive time calculator covers every aspect of your trip: it calculates the total time needed to complete your journey, predicts your arrival time at the destination, and determines the overall cost of the drive, including the cost per person.

To accurately determine your arrival time and the total driving duration, follow these steps:

Before entering any values, choose your preferred units of measurement , where applicable. For instance, you can opt for imperial or metric units when specifying distances. This selection will determine how the calculator interprets your inputs.

Enter the total distance of your trip.

Specify your average driving speed during the trip.

Enter the total duration of breaks you plan to take during the journey.

Specify the departure time , day, month, and year.

Upon entering these details, the tool will calculate the total driving duration and exact arrival time based on your input.

If you're interested in determining the costs associated with your trip , use the second section of the calculator and follow these steps:

Specify your car's fuel consumption rate .

Indicate current fuel price .

Input the number of passengers traveling with you.

The calculator will subsequently determine the total drive cost and the cost per person based on the provided information.

For example , consider a scenario where you must drive 140 km (87 mi) at an average speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). You plan to take a 30-minute break, and your departure time is January 22, 2024, at 7:00 pm. In this case, the calculator would compute a total drive time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, estimating your arrival at the destination on January 22, 2024, at 9:15 pm.

Moreover, if your fuel consumption rate is 8 liters per 100 kilometers (62 miles) and the fuel price is $0.90 per liter, the total cost of your journey would be $10.08. If you're traveling with a companion, you could split the cost, resulting in $5.04 per person.

🙋‍♂️ If you need to be at a specific destination by a particular time and are wondering when to depart, our calculator has you covered — it works in reverse, too! Here's how to use it:

Input when you intend to arrive at your destination in the variable arrival time .

Enter the total distance you need to cover.

Specify the average driving speed you plan to maintain.

If you plan to take breaks during the journey, enter the total duration.

The calculator will determine the optimal departure time , ensuring you reach your destination as planned!

Have more questions about the estimated time of arrival? Keep reading.

Estimated time of arrival (ETA) is the time when a vehicle, ship, aircraft, or cargo is expected to arrive at a particular place.

For example, a particular cruise bus may have an ETA calculated based on the expected average speed on a particular road. The travel distance is simply divided by the speed to roughly estimate the arrival time. This method does not consider any unexpected events (such as car accidents on the road or bad weather conditions) that may occur on the way to the driver's destination.

Visit our speed calculator to learn more about how to calculate speed.

Let's assume we are driving home with friends from a winter vacation in the mountains.

The distance to our home city is 850 km .

We are driving with an average speed of 110 km/h .

We will make three short 15-minute breaks and 1-hour long dinner break, which gives:

Total time of breaks = 3 × 15 min + 1h = 1h 45min

We will start the trip on the 21 February 2018 at 10:00 am.

Now, the most interesting question – when will we be at home? Let's calculate the total drive time:

Total drive time = (distance/average drive speed) + total breaks time = 9h 28min

Arrival time: 21 February 2018 at 07:28 pm

Now, we want to know how much this journey will cost us. With our drive time calculator, the answer to this question is very simple!

• Let's assume that our SUV car takes 9.5 liters of fuel per 100 km.
• The gasoline price is €1.22 per liter.
• We are traveling as a group of 4 friends -> Number of passengers = 4

The answer to the question is below:

Total drive cost = (distance/100) × car fuel consumption × fuel price = €98.52

Drive cost per person = total drive cost/number of passengers = €24.63

Super! Now, we know all we need – the exact travel time to home with an estimated arrival time and how much each passenger needs to pay for that journey. Let's start the engine! 🙂

We also have a great tool called traffic density calculator that helps you analyze the traffic on any road.

Check out the gas calculator , too, if you need to estimate the fuel cost for a drive.

I'm Filip, the mastermind behind the drive time calculator, and I'm a biomedical and electrical engineering graduate from AGH University of Krakow.

My motivation to develop this tool emerged during a road trip, where the challenges of planning a long journey, including costs and time uncertainties, became evident. In response, I envisioned a solution — a tool that calculates travel duration and considers essential factors like fuel costs. The outcome is a user-friendly tool designed to simplify journey planning , whether for extended trips or daily commutes.

Why trust this tool? We put extra care into the quality of our content so that they are as accurate and reliable as possible. Each tool is peer-reviewed by a trained expert and then proofread by a native speaker. If you'd like to learn more about our standards, please check the Editorial Policies page .

How do I calculate the average speed for my trip?

To calculate your average speed for your trip, you must note the trip distance and drive time or travel time and follow these steps:

• Subtract the total time used for breaks from the drive time.
• Divide the trip distance by the difference obtained in step 1.
• The value calculated is the average speed for the trip.
• Verify your result with our drive time calculator.

How fast can I reach Boston from New York driving at 60 mph?

It'll take 3 hrs 35 mins without any breaks. Allowing for a 15 min break, it'll take you 3 hrs 50 min. Here's how you can calculate this answer:

If you take the I-90 W, Boston is 215 miles from New York.

Divide this distance by the average speed to get drive time without breaks:

215/60 = 3.5833 = 3 hrs 35 min .

Add a 15 min break to drive time for a convenient and safe drive to get a total drive time of 3 hrs 50 mins .

Verify with our drive time calculator.

How do I calculate mileage of my vehicle?

To calculate the mileage of your vehicle, follow these steps:

• When refueling, note the initial odometer reading and the amount of fuel you're filling.
• When you stop for fuel again, note the final odometer reading .
• Subtract the initial odometer reading from the final reading and divide the difference by the amount of fuel used.

How far can you drive in one day?

Assuming you drive for 8 hours in a day at 60 mph, with 15 min breaks every 2 hours and an hour-long lunch break in between, you can drive 390 miles . To calculate this answer, follow these steps:

Calculate total break time :

15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min .

Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min .

Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled:

60 × 6.5 = 390 miles .

Verify this result with our drive time calculator.

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Advanced Route Planner for Car Travelers

Unlock new adventures with our free route planner: perfect your road trips, discover new routes, and leverage expert travel insights for an unforgettable journey.

This distance calculator, covering the United States, North America, and worldwide, simplifies your travel planning. Enter your start and end points in the "From" and "To" fields — accepting city names, addresses, or GPS coordinates — and click "Calculate" to get started.

Customize your journey with "Fuel consumption" and "Fuel price" for cost estimates, and use the crosshair icon for map selections. Dive into "Advanced options" to add stops or adjust speeds, tailoring the trip to your pace and ensuring accurate travel time predictions.

Examples of Routes Between Cities of the US

• Distance from Dallas to Houston
• Distance from Austin to Houston
• Distance from Seattle to Portland
• Distance from Dallas to San Antonio
• Distance from San Francisco to Sacramento
• Distance from San Francisco to San Diego
• Distance from Dallas to Chicago
• Distance from Houston to New Orleans
• Distance from Denver to Chicago
• Distance from New York to Chicago

What Can You Do With This Route Planner

Family Vacation Planning : Families planning summer vacations can use the distance calculator to plan their route, estimate fuel costs based on their car's fuel consumption, and calculate budget needs, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable journey.

Business Travel Optimization : Professionals can plot the most efficient routes for their business trips, incorporating distance calculations to manage time effectively and budget for travel expenses accurately.

Logistics and Freight Management : Long-haul truckers and freight forwarders can utilize the tool to map out routes between cities, estimate mileage, and calculate transportation costs based on company tariffs, optimizing delivery schedules and pricing.

Meeting Halfway : Friends living in different cities can find a central meeting point by calculating the halfway distance between their locations, making it easier to arrange reunions and share new adventures together.

USA, North America and Worldwide

This service measures the distance between cities around the world and is available in several languages:

• English ca.drivebestway.com Canada Mileage Calculator
• Spanish www.mejoresrutas.com Traza tu ruta por México
• Portuguese www.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades do Brasil
• English au.drivebestway.com Aussie Distance Calculator
• English gb.drivebestway.com UK Road Distance Calculator
• Spanish es.mejoresrutas.com Calcular ruta entre ciudades españolas
• Spanish ar.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades argentinas
• Spanish co.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades colombianas
• Spanish us.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades de EE. UU.
• Spanish cl.mejoresrutas.com Calcular km entre ciudades chilenas
• Spanish pe.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Perú
• Spanish ve.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Venezuela
• Spanish br.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre ciudades brasileñas
• Portuguese pt.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades em Portugal
• French www.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance France
• French ca.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Canadien
• German www.besterouten.com Routenplaner Deutschland
• Polish www.najlepszetrasy.com Kalkulator odległości drogowych w Polsce
• Czech www.dobracesta.com Kalkulačka vzdálenosti mezi českými městy
• Italian www.percorsomigliore.com Calcola distanze chilometriche in Italia
• Malay www.pandujalanterbaik.com Pengiraan jarak antara bandar di Malaysia
• Dutch www.besteroutes.com Afstand meten in Nederland
• Turkish www.duzgunyolusec.com Türkiye şehirler arası mesafe hesaplama
• Dutch be.besteroutes.com Afstand berekenen tussen Belgische steden
• German be.besterouten.com Routenplaner Belgien Auto
• French be.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance belge
• French ch.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Suisse
• German ch.besterouten.com Routenplaner Schweiz
• German at.besterouten.com Routenplaner Österreich

How Is the Distance Between Cities and Points Calculated?

Distance and travel time calculation algorithm.

This route calculation tool harnesses the power of shortest path search algorithms within a weighted road graph, employing sophisticated algorithms like Dijkstra, A-Star, and Contraction Hierarchies . Unlike conventional calculators that use distance or travel time as the graph weight, our system optimizes drive time for vehicles, favoring routes on higher-class roads for a smoother journey.

The backbone of this tool is built on OpenStreetMap data, ensuring our road graphs are accurate and up-to-date. We calculate distances between road segments with the haversine formula , using precise GPS coordinates to measure the Great Circle Distance. This formula is pivotal for calculating "air distance" or "straight line distance" between two points, taking into account the curvature of the Earth.

Road distances, however, diverge from straight line distances due to the natural curvature and layout of roads . To address this, roads are represented as segmented lines, and the haversine formula is applied to each segment, allowing for precise calculation of the journey length between any two points.

Recognizing that cities encompass large areas, our tool selects a central point within each city for distance calculations between cities. For personalized route planning, users can specify exact addresses or select points on the map. Additionally, the route's start and end points can be adjusted directly on the map for enhanced customization.

Travel time calculations break down the route into segments, evaluating the maximum permitted speed for each segment to estimate the fastest possible travel time.

It’s important to note that while our route calculation relies on advanced computer modeling for accuracy, no model is perfect . We encourage users to plan with a margin for adjustment to ensure a reliable and efficient journey.

Other Methods of Calculating Distances

One simple way to measure distance is by using a highway atlas. By tracing a route with your eye and rolling a curvimeter along it, you can gauge the distance. Estimating travel time involves assuming an average speed of 50 miles/hour on major intercity roads. Although this method provides rough estimates, it's straightforward.

In the absence of a curvimeter, a ruler can serve as a substitute. Start by aligning the ruler's zero mark with your route's beginning and follow the road's bends closely. Then, translate the measured length into kilometers or miles using the map's scale, which is typically provided in the atlas.

For those seeking a more streamlined approach, pre-calculated distance tables specifically for the USA are available on websites, atlases, and guidebooks. Particularly useful for journeys between major cities, these tables streamline planning, although they may omit smaller locales.

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Travel Time Calculator

Faq about travel time.

© 2011-2024 distancesfrom.com. A softUsvista Inc. venture!

What is TravelTime?

Create a Travel Time Map

Travel time map generator & isochrones, i know i can get from a to b by public transport within my selected time, but it's not showing up.

• Walking to the station platform
• Waiting for the next available departure
• Time spent boarding the train
• Giving enough time to take the A to B journey
• Depart on the station on the other side.

You can't drive that far / you can drive much further than that"

• Open another mapping app of your choice and enter an A to B route
• Select a departure time for tomorrow.

Still not convinced?

About this tool, what is a travel time map, how to create a drive time radius map or other modes.

• Select a start location
• Select a maximum travel time limit
• Select a mode of transport, for example driving
• Voila! There's your driving radius map

Use cases for consumers

• Create a commute time map so you can see where to live based on commute time.
• How far can i travel in a given time: compare transport coverage for different areas.
• Create a drive time radius map: explore how far you can travel on a road trip.

Use cases for businesses

• Travel time mapping up to 4 hours & cross reference other data sets in GIS such as population data
• Site selection analysis: analyse the best location to locate a business by adding thousands of analysis points
• Create a distance matrix or travel time matrix & calculate travel times from thousands of origins to thousands of destinations
• Network analysis / travelling salesman problem: use spatial analytics to solve routing problems
• Commute time map - plot thousands of employee commute times for an office relocation
• Create up to 3 time polygons visualising where's reachable within 2 hours or less. Our API can create large travel time areas, talk to sales.
• Calculate travel times from an origin to various points of interest - in this demo we use points from Foursquare Give A to B routing details

Full access

• Book a demo
• Trial TravelTime API
• Trial QGIS Plugin
• Trial ArcGIS Pro Add-In
• Trial Alteryx Macros

TravelTime Features

• See 'How far can I get' in X minutes
• Create a drive time map or any other transport mode
• Overlap many shapes & highlight overlap area
• Search points of interest within the area
• Get A to B routing details

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How To : See What Traffic Will Be Like at a Specific Time with Google Maps

As intuitive as Google Maps is for finding the best routes, it never let you choose departure and arrival times in the mobile app. This feature has long been available on the desktop site, allowing you to see what traffic should be like at a certain time and how long your drive would take at a point in the future. Fortunately, Google has finally added this feature to the app for iPhone and Android.

To try this out, you'll need to update your Google Maps app, which you can do with the links below. When you do, you'll be able to plan ahead by choosing arrival and/or departure times, which is ideal for seeing when you'll need to leave if you want to get to your destination by a specific time.

• Get the latest version of Google Maps: Android | iOS

Setting Departure or Arrival Times

Scheduling a trip based on either when you'd like to leave for, or arrive to a desired location couldn't be easier with Google maps — simply input your destination as you normally would within the the search field along the top of the screen. Tap on "Directions" after doing so to yield available routes.

Afterward, choose the best route a from the selections given. From there, tap on the three-dot menu button on the upper-right and hit "Set depart & arrive time" (Android) or "Set a reminder to leave" (iOS) from the prompt.

Now, either set the time and date you want to "Depart At" on the time table given, or tap on the "Arrive By" tab on the upper-right and adjust the time and date the same way if you want to arrive by a certain time. Hit "Set" once you're done, and Google Maps will yield average travel times for the route, along with either an ETA if you picked the former, or a suggested time for departure if you chose the latter.

As handy as this new feature is, it's worth noting that it does have some limitations. Google Maps currently won't alert you via a notification if you set a departure time. Besides that, traffic conditions aren't updated in real-time, so arrival times can vary, and drastically change due to unforeseen events like traffic accidents and sudden weather downturns.

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Where can you go by train in 8h?

This map shows you how far you can travel from each station in Europe in less than 8 hours.

Hover your mouse on the map to see the isochrones from that city, search for a station, or click on one of the examples below.

This map is based on estimated travel times, using data from the Deutsche Bahn through Direkt Bahn Guru . Actual timetables may vary.

Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024 facts: Path, time and the best places to view

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality.

Scroll down to see the list of U.S. cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible, the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com .

"Eclipse Across America," will air live Monday, April 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+ and Hulu as well as network social media platforms.

On April 8, 2024, a historic total solar eclipse will cast a shadow over parts of the United States, prompting a mass travel event to the path of totality -- from Texas to Maine and several states and cities in between.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and, for a short time, completely blocks the face of the sun, according to NASA .

The track of the moon's shadow across Earth's surface is called the path of totality, and to witness the April 8 total solar eclipse, viewers must be within the 115-mile-wide path. To discover when to see the solar eclipse in totality or the partial eclipse in locations across the U.S. outside of the path, check out NASA's Eclipse Explorer tool .

Eclipse travel

In the U.S., 31 million people already live inside the path of totality, bringing the celestial phenomenon to their doorsteps, Michael Zeiler, expert solar eclipse cartographer at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told ABC News.

MORE: Eclipse glasses: What to know to keep your eyes safe

But for individuals outside of the path, investing time and money are needed to experience the event in totality.

Eclipse chasers, or umbraphiles, are individuals who will do almost anything, and travel almost anywhere, to see totality, according to the American Astronomical Society .

"There's a very active community of solar eclipse chasers and we will go to any reasonable lengths to see solar eclipses anywhere in the world," Zeiler said. "All of us are united in pursuing the unimaginable beauty of a total solar eclipse."

MORE: The surprising reason why a Texas county issued a disaster declaration ahead of April total solar eclipse

Bringing together both eclipse experts and novice sky watchers, the total solar eclipse on April 8 is projected to be the U.S.'s largest mass travel event in 2024, according to Zeiler, who likened it to "50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation."

"When you look at the number of people expected to come to the path of totality for the solar eclipse, we estimate those numbers are roughly the equivalent of 50 simultaneous Super Bowls across the nation, from Texas to Maine," he said.

Eclipse map, path of totality

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

Best times, places to view eclipse

Below is a list of some American cities where the April 8 total solar eclipse will be most visible -- pending weather forecasts -- the duration of the eclipse in those locations and what time totality will begin, according to GreatAmericanEclipse.com.

• Eagle Pass, Texas, 1:27 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Uvalde, Texas, 1:29 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 16 seconds
• Kerrville, Texas, 1:32 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 23 seconds
• Austin, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 1 minute, 53 seconds
• Killeen, Texas, 1:36 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 17 seconds
• Fort Worth, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 34 seconds
• Dallas, Texas, 1:40 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 47 seconds
• Little Rock, Arkansas, 1:51 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 33 seconds
• Jonesboro, Arkansas, 1:55 p.m. CDT: 2 minutes, 24 seconds
• Poplar Bluff, Arkansas, 1:56 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Cape Girardeau, Missouri, 1:58 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 6 seconds
• Carbondale, Illinois, 1:59 p.m. CDT: 4 minutes, 8 seconds
• Mount Vernon, Illinois, 2:00 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Evansville, Indiana, 2:02 p.m. CDT: 3 minutes, 2 seconds
• Terre Haute, Indiana, 3:04 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 57 seconds
• Indianapolis, Indiana, 3:06 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 46 seconds
• Dayton, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 46 seconds
• Wapakoneta, Ohio, 3:09 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 55 seconds
• Toledo, Ohio, 3:12 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 54 seconds
• Cleveland, Ohio, 3:13 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 50 seconds

Pennsylvania

• Erie, Pennsylvania, 3:16 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 43 seconds
• Buffalo, New York, 3:18 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 45 seconds
• Rochester, New York, 3:20 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 40 seconds
• Syracuse, New York, 3:23 p.m. EDT: 1 minute, 26 seconds
• Burlington, Vermont, 3:26 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 14 seconds
• Island Falls, Maine, 3:31 p.m. EDT: 3 minutes, 20 seconds
• Presque Island, Maine, 3:32 p.m. EDT: 2 minutes, 47 seconds

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How Early Can You Check Your Bags for a Flight?

I f your flight departs early in the morning, it might make sense to arrive late the previous night and spend the night at the airport. Or maybe you just want to drop off your checked bag at the airport and spend a few hours walking around the city without having to lug your checked bags . Whatever the reason, checking in your bags early makes sense.

In this article, we'll tell you what are the policies for most airports and airlines for checking in your luggage early.

What Is a Check-In?

In the realm of air travel, "check-in" is a pivotal step that marks the commencement of your journey. It is the process through which passengers confirm their presence on a flight, obtain their boarding passes, and, most importantly, hand over their luggage to the airline for safe transport to their destination. The check-in process can vary depending on the airline and the mode of travel (domestic or international), but its essence remains constant.

The Essentials of Check-In:

• Airport vs. Online Check-In: Traditionally, passengers would check in for their flights at the airport's designated check-in counters. However, with the digital revolution, most airlines now offer online check-in services. This allows travelers to complete the process from the comfort of their homes or using a mobile app, saving valuable time at the airport.
• Document Verification: During check-in, passengers are required to present valid travel documents, typically a government-issued ID and passport for international flights. Airlines may also request visas or other travel-specific documentation, depending on the destination.
• Baggage Drop: If you have checked luggage, this is the crucial moment when you hand over your bags to the airline's staff. They will weigh your bags, attach destination tags, and ensure they are loaded onto the correct flight.
• Boarding Pass Issuance: Upon successful check-in, you will receive your boarding pass, either in physical or digital format. This document is your golden ticket to board the aircraft and contains essential information, including your seat assignment, departure gate, and boarding time.
• Security Screening: After check-in, you'll proceed to security screening. This involves passing through security checkpoints where your person and carry-on items are inspected to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Baggage Claim Ticket: When checking in your luggage, you'll typically receive a baggage claim ticket or receipt. Hold onto this document, as you'll need it to retrieve your bags at your destination.

Check-In Times:

Now, let's address the question at hand: how early can you check your bags for a flight? Airlines generally open their check-in counters and online check-in services well in advance of the scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, it's common to be able to check in 24 hours before your flight's departure time, both online and at the airport. For international flights, the window is often extended to 48 hours.

Airport check-in counters usually open a few hours before the first departure of the day. However, specific times can vary by airport and airline, so it's advisable to check with your airline or the airport's official website for precise details regarding check-in times and procedures.

In summary , check-in is a vital step in air travel that involves confirming your presence on a flight, presenting travel documents, handing over checked luggage, and obtaining a boarding pass. The timing of check-in varies between domestic and international flights, typically ranging from 24 to 48 hours before departure. For precise check-in times, consult your airline or airport resources to ensure a smooth start to your journey.

What’s the Earliest Time You can Check Your Luggage at the Airport?

Most commonly, the earliest time that you can check in your bags at the airport is 2-3 hours for domestic flights and 3-6 hours for international ones, depending on the airport and airline you're flying with. Either way, your airline will notify you before the flight of their suggested arrival times. They are reluctant to allow earlier check-ins because they need to pay for extended storage of your bags, keep the check-in desks open for longer hours, and they fear potential security threats.

Most airports and airlines within North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) allow dropping off your checked bag 2-6 hours prior to your flight. That said, some travelers have managed to check in their bags earlier, even 12 hours prior to the flight. This is sometimes allowed in major hub airports, where the check-in desks are open during the whole day, but it depends on the employee at the check-in desk, and they allow dropping off luggage only for same-day flights.

In Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the vast majority of airlines and airports allow checking in luggage 2-4 hours before the flight. However, some premium airlines allow dropping off baggage up to 24 hours before the flight. For some airlines, it's a free service, and for some, it's a paid one. We've covered the rules for major airlines further down in this article.

What’s the Latest Time You Can Check Your Luggage at the Airport?

Airlines need to suspend accepting more checked bags within a certain timeframe before the flight because they need to give the baggage handlers enough time to load everything onto the plane. This time is usually longer for international destinations, and shorter for domestic ones.

Although the checked baggage cut-off times are different for each airline, they're usually somewhere within these timeframes:

• For flights within the EU: 40 minutes before the departure
• For domestic flights: 40-60 minutes before the departure
• For international flights: 60-90 minutes before the departure

Read next: 12 Benefits of Online Check-In

Which Airlines Offer Early Baggage Drop Off Services

Early baggage drop-off is an extremely rare service, and only a few airlines offer it in a few select airports. Usually, it's only offered by more expensive airlines, and only in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. We didn't find a single US airline that would offer early baggage drop-off services, most likely due to increased security requirements from the FAA.

Here are the major airlines that offer early baggage drop-off:

• British Airways : At London Heathrow airport terminals 3 and 5, you can drop off bags between 16:00-22:00 for next-day flights before 10:00. At London Gatwick airport, you can drop off bags between 18:00-21:00 for next-day flights before 13:00.
• Air France: At Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, you'll be able to drop off checked bags the day before between 16:00-20:00 in Terminal 2E, for flights up to 24 hours before departure.
• EasyJet: At London Gatwick airport, you can drop off checked luggage between 19:00-22:00 for next-day flights departing before 08:00. At Bristol airport, you can drop off checked baggage between 18:00-21:00 for next-day flights departing before 08:30. At Berlin airport, you can drop off checked luggage between 18:00-21:00 for next-day flights departing before 09:30. At Manchester airport, you can drop off checked baggage between 18:00-21:00 for next-day flights departing before 08:30.
• Lufthansa: At almost all airports, business and first-class passengers will be allowed to check in their bags up to 23 hours before departure, except for flights originating from the USA, Canada, or Mexico.
• Singapore Airlines: At flights originating from Singapore Changi airport terminal 3 and Jewel Changi airport, you can drop off checked baggage up to 24 hours before the flight.
• Swiss Air Lines: At Zurich airport, you can drop off bags up to 23 hours before departure.
• Emirates: Passengers departing from Dubai airport can drop off bags up to 24 hours before departure, except for ones traveling to the US, where the drop-off time is a bit shorter - 12 hours before the flight.

Which Airlines Don’t Offer Early Baggage Drop Off

Unfortunately, most airlines don't offer early checked baggage drop-off services, especially within North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico). Usually, they'll allow checking in up to 4 hours before the departure, and only on the same day of the flight. That said, for some airlines, the limit is shorter or longer, ranging between 2-6 hours.

Here are the earliest checked baggage drop-off times for the most popular airlines:

• Spirit Airlines: 4 hours before departure
• Frontier Airlines: 2 hours before departure
• Delta Air Lines: 6 hours before departure
• American Airlines: 4 hours before departure
• United Airlines: 4 hours before departure
• JetBlue: 6 hours before departure
• Ryanair: 2 hours before departure
• Allegiant Air: 2 hours before departure
• Alaska Airlines: 4 hours before departure
• Air Canada: 4 hours before departure
• Sun Country Airlines: 3 hours before departure
• Flair Airlines: 3 hours before departure
• Swoop: 3 hours before departure
• Virgin Atlantic: 4 hours before departure
• Qatar Airways: 3 hours before departure
• Turkish Airlines: 2 hours before departure

What to Do if You Want to Check-In Early

1. if you want to check-in on the same day of the flight, but early.

Although most airlines allow checking-in only 2-6 hours before the flight, you can try your luck and try to drop off your bags earlier. Airlines that operate a lot of flights will usually have the check-in desks open during the whole day in major airports, so you can try to go to the check-in desks, and ask if you can drop off baggage earlier. It depends on the rules of the airport, and the airline employee, but some travelers have reported that they've managed to check in their bags even 12 hours before the flight by doing this.

If not, you can look for luggage lockers, which are offered in most major airports. You can put your luggage there for a few hours and go explore the city. Alternatively, you can just kill your time in the waiting area.

Read Next:   What to Do With Luggage After Checking Out From Hotel

2. If You’re Looking To Stay in the Airport Overnight

Most airports allow travelers to sleep overnight in the common waiting area of the airport (before the security checkpoint). They'll usually have enough benches there and some shops, which will be closed for the night. For a comfortable experience, you should get a [amazon link="B082K8ZNQ1" title="travel pillow"] and a [amazon link="B098K2CFJ7" title="travel blanket"], because often the waiting area can be quite cold. The check-in desks usually open early in the morning, 2 hours before the first flight, so you'll be able to check in then and head to the designated gate. There is a really useful website for this, sleepinginairports.net , where you can search for any airport, and find out their policies for passengers who want to sleep overnight.

Read Next: How Long Can You Stay In an Airport?

Frequently Asked Questions About Dropping off Luggage at the Airport

What time does baggage drop open (check-in).

Typically, check-in desks open 2-3 hours before the flight, depending on the destination and the airline. However, some airlines that operate a lot of flights have check-in desks open all day long in major airports. That said, they usually don’t accept checked bags for upcoming flights that are more than 3-6 hours away.

Can I check my bags the night before my flight (12-24 hours)?

Most commonly, you won’t be allowed to drop off your bags at the airport on the previous day of your upcoming flight. That’s because most airports don’t allow it for security reasons.

However, there are a few airlines that allow checking-in bags up to 24 hours before the flight, but it’s just a few airlines and only in a few airports. These include British Airways, Air France, EasyJet, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss Airlines, and Emirates.

No airline allows checking-in bags not on the same date as the flight within the USA, Canada, and Mexico, due to federal laws.

How early can I go through security?

Typically, the airport security checkpoint doesn’t have as strict timeframes as dropping off checked luggage. Although some airports allow going through security only  2-5 hours before the flight,  most will allow all passengers that depart on the same date as the flight.

Within the US, TSA usually follows these rules for letting people through security:

1) Passengers who depart on the same date before 24:00 are allowed through the security checkpoint as soon as the security checkpoint opens (04:00-6:00).

2) Passengers who depart after 24:00, but before the security opens back up in the morning (04:00-06:00), are allowed to go through security on the previous day after 16:30.

3) Passengers who have a flight departing the next morning, two hours after the security checkpoint opens (06:00-08:00), aren’t allowed through security on the previous day.

Read Next:   You’ve Checked In Online. Now What? (Guide)

Can I sleep in the common area of the airport? (before security)

Most airports allow passengers to sleep in the common area overnight, before the security checkpoint. However, during the pandemic, most airports close for the night, and all passengers that haven’t gone through security are forced to exit. You can check the policies for each airport on  this website .

Can I leave the airport after checking in?

After checking in your bags, you’re free to leave the airport. In fact, you’re also allowed to leave the airport and come back in even after going through security. So if you drop off your checked bags early enough and you still have some time, you can leave the airport and do something within the city. Just remember to come back in time to not miss your flight.

Watch CBS News

Solar eclipse maps show 2024 totality path, peak times and how much of the eclipse you can see across the U.S.

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: April 7, 2024 / 7:29 PM EDT / CBS News

A total solar eclipse crosses North America on April 8, 2024, with parts of 15 U.S. states within the path of totality. Maps show where and when astronomy fans can see the big event . 

The total eclipse will first appear along Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT, then travel across a swath of the U.S., from Texas to Maine, and into Canada.

About 31.6 million people live in the path of totality , the area where the moon will fully block out the sun , according to NASA. The path will range between 108 and 122 miles wide. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path of totality.

Solar eclipse path of totality map for 2024

The total solar eclipse will start over the Pacific Ocean, and the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico's Pacific Coast, around 11:07 a.m. PDT on April 8, according to NASA. From there, the path will continue into Texas, crossing more than a dozen states before the eclipse enters Canada in southern Ontario. The eclipse will exit continental North America around 5:16 p.m. NDT from Newfoundland, Canada.

The path of totality includes the following states:

• Pennsylvania
• New Hampshire

Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Several major cities across the U.S. are included in the eclipse's path of totality, while many others will see a partial eclipse. Here are some of the best major cities for eclipse viewing — if the weather cooperates :

• San Antonio, Texas (partially under the path)
• Austin, Texas
• Waco, Texas
• Dallas, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Dayton, Ohio
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Buffalo, New York
• Rochester, New York
• Syracuse, New York
• Burlington, Vermont

Map of when the solar eclipse will reach totality across the path

The eclipse will begin in the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8. It will first be visible as a partial eclipse beginning at 12:06 p.m. CDT near Eagle Pass, Texas, before progressing to totality by about 1:27 p.m. CDT and progressing along its path to the northeast over the next few hours.

NASA shared times for several cities in the path of totality across the U.S. You can also  check your ZIP code on NASA's map  to see when the eclipse will reach you if you're on, or near, the path of totality. 

How much of the eclipse will you see if you live outside of the totality path?

While the April 8 eclipse will cover a wide swath of the U.S., outside the path of totality observers may spot a partial eclipse, where the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun, according to NASA. The closer you are to the path of totality, the larger the portion of the sun that will be hidden.

NASA allows viewers to input a ZIP code and see how much of the sun will be covered in their location.

Could there be cloud cover be during the solar eclipse?

Some areas along the path of totality have a higher likelihood of cloud cover that could interfere with viewing the eclipse. Here is a map showing the historical trends in cloud cover this time of year. 

You can check the latest forecast for your location with our partners at The Weather Channel .

Where will the solar eclipse reach totality for the longest?

Eclipse viewers near Torreón, Mexico, will get to experience totality for the longest. Totality there will last 4 minutes, 28 seconds, according to NASA. 

Most places along the centerline of the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes long, according to NASA. Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.

What is the path of totality for the 2044 solar eclipse?

After the April 8 eclipse, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Astronomy fans in the U.S. will have far fewer opportunities to see the 2044 eclipse than the upcoming one on April 8. NASA has not yet made maps available for the 2044 eclipse, but, according to The Planetary Society , the path of totality will only touch three states.

The 2024 eclipse will start in Greenland, pass over Canada and end as the sun sets in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to the Planetary Society.

Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

More from CBS News

See the list of notable total solar eclipses in the U.S. since 1778

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

Why do total solar eclipses happen? Learn what causes the celestial show

When was the last total solar eclipse in the U.S.? Revisiting 2017

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, what you need to know to watch monday's total solar eclipse.

The NPR Network

A stunning celestial event is visible across the country Monday, when the moon crosses directly in front of the sun: a total solar eclipse. For those in the path of totality, there will be a few brief moments when the moon completely covers the sun and the world becomes dark.

Traveling for totality? Skip ahead.

This will be the last chance to catch a total solar eclipse in the continental U.S. for about 20 years, so here's what you need to know to safely enjoy!

When is the eclipse?

April 8, 2024 there will be a total solar eclipse that crosses from the Pacific coast of Mexico through the United States.

What is totality and why it matters

According to NASA , totality will start around 11:07 a.m. PDT/1:07 EDT in Mexico and leave Maine at around 1:30 pm PDT/3:30 pm EDT.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Check out this table for when the partial eclipse and totality are visible in each region or check by zip code here.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the contiguous United States, so even if you're not directly in the path, you should be able to see something special, weather permitting.

Unable to get to totality? We'll be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you can't see it in real time.

Where to see totality?

More than 30 million people live in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, and many more in nearby areas.

Here's what we know about Monday's weather forecast.

Why totality matters

As NPR's Neil Greenfieldboyce explains , "During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically . The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colors appear around the horizon. And the once-familiar sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona — that's the ghostly white ring that is the sun's atmosphere."

Eclipse Science

For april's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'omg' might mean just driving across town.

A partial eclipse, while still a fun experience, is hardly as dramatic. Those with a view of the partial eclipse will see crescent-shaped shadows like those seen here in 2017.

How to watch safely

If you plan to look directly at the eclipse (partial or totality), you're going to need eclipse glasses handy because looking directly at the sun without proper protection ( traditional sunglasses don't count! ) can be harmful to your eyes.

The perfect celestial soundtrack to the total solar eclipse

As NPR's Joe Hernandez explains, "Proper eye protection must be worn throughout a total solar eclipse — except for the roughly 3 1/2 to 4 minutes when the moon fully obscures the sun, a brief period known as 'totality.' (You will need to take your glasses off during totality to actually see it.)"

If you don't have access to eclipse glasses, you can get crafty with things you have around the house ( like some of us did back in 2017!) More on that here.

Traveling for totality?

The celestial event is driving a ton of domestic travel to the path of totality. If you're headed out of town to view the eclipse, here are some NPR Network resources for areas in the path of totality:

Texas The path of totality crosses through the Lone Star State, with some areas expecting a possible influx of visitors in the hundreds of thousands to catch prime viewing. Our member stations across the state have gathered local resources to help you navigate the region and the eclipse!

• San Antonio: Check out the latest from Texas Public Radio
• Dallas: Explore KERA's coverage for the latest
• Austin: Head to KUT for the best local resources

Arkansas The eclipse will be cutting through the state, putting Little Rock in the path of totality. Check out Little Rock Public Radio for local resources.

The southwestern edge of the state will be well-positioned to witness the total solar eclipse this year. Kentucky Public Radio is covering the eclipse throughout the region, from Kentuckiana eclipse mania to the University of Louisville's free class about the celestial event. Keep an eye on WKMS for the latest local updates.

Missouri The southeastern corner of the state will be in the path of totality, crossing across towns like Whitewater and Ste. Genevieve. Head to St. Louis Public Radio for local coverage and resources. Illinois Carbondale seems to have won the eclipse lottery, being in the path of totality both in 2017 and for this year's eclipse . For resources from across the state, check out Illinois Public Media .

Indiana A huge portion of the state will be within the path of totality, giving cities across Indiana, including Bloomington and Indianapolis, prime viewing of the eclipse.

• Bloomington: Check out Indiana Public Media
• Indianapolis: Head to WFYI for the latest
• Fort Wayne: Just north of the path of totality, WBOI has resources for the Allen County area

Ohio The Buckeye State is getting bisected by this year's path of totality, plunging a number of the state's most populous areas into darkness for a few minutes on Monday.

• Cleveland: Head to Ideastream Public Media for the latest.
• Columbus: With the capital city just south of totality, head to WOSU for regional resources.
• Cincinnati: Totality will just miss the border town. Here are some tips from WVXU on how to navigate the eclipse in the region.

Pennsylvania Only the northwestern-most corner of the state will catch totality, with views from the lakeside in Erie being particularly well-positioned for a stunning viewing experience. WESA has more from across the region.

Plan to watch the eclipse from a wild mountain summit? Be ready for harsh conditions

New York Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Plattsburgh will fall under the path of totality on Monday. If you're planning to travel to the region for the best views, here are some local resources to stay safe and informed:

• Buffalo: Head to WBFO for the latest
• Syracuse: WAER has more on plans in the Salt City
• North Country: NCPR has the latest from across the region, as well as information on local viewing events to check out

Vermont The Green Mountain State will see totality across its most populous region, including Burlington and Montpelier, as well as the Northeast Kingdom on the Canadian border. Vermont Public has everything you need to know to navigate your time in the region to enjoy the eclipse safely. New Hampshire The northernmost region of the Granite State will be in the path of totality, providing prime viewing to those in Coos County. NHPR has info on local events, travel updates as well as special coverage with New Hampshire Public Television. Maine The last state in the path of totality in the U.S., much of Northern Maine will be positioned for prime viewing. The rural region is preparing for an influx of visitors, and safety officials are encouraging visitors and locals alike to be prepared. Maine Public will be covering the eclipse and has everything you need to know to navigate the region safely.

How to document the eclipse safely

With the ease of cell photography , it can be tempting to reach for your phone to document the eclipse and the moments of totality, but make sure to do so safely.

As NPR's Scott Neuman explains , "For starters, you'll need to wear eclipse glasses or similar protective eye gear while aiming your camera or even just observing the eclipse."

Feeling ambitious? Here are a few more tips.

Or if you're not inclined to capture the moment visually, you lean into some other forms of creative expression. Indiana, for example, has named Linda Neal Reising the official poet in the state for this year's eclipse.

As former NPR reporter and eclipse superfan David Baron shared with Life Kit , viewing totality "[is] like you've left the solar system and are looking back from some other world."

So consider focusing on being present in the moment to enjoy the celestial spectacle.

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans? Check out these kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides from Vermont Public's But Why, and this great explainer from KERA Kids on the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse.
• Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view? Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time. NPR's Emily Alfin Johnson compiled these resources.

• 2024 eclipse

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Why Nairobi won't experience 2024 solar eclipse and 3 countries that will

Total solar eclipses in a specific location are rare, happening about once every 375 years on average. Nairobi's next total solar eclipse experience will be on June 26, 2029.

A solar eclipse is one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles, when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow over the Earth and, for a fleeting moment, turning day into night.

This celestial event occurs when the moon's apparent size is enough to cover the Sun completely or partially, depending on the type of eclipse.

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is a highly anticipated event that will sweep across United States, Mexico and Canada, offering a spectacular view to millions.

READ: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse thrills skywatchers on longest day

Why Nairobi will not experience the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse

Today's total solar eclipse will not be visible from Nairobi, Kenya.

The path of totality for this eclipse—where the total solar eclipse can be observed—will mainly cross through parts of North America and South America and Nairobi is far from the eclipse's path of totality.

Due to the Earth's curvature and the moon's shadow positioning, the eclipse will not be observable from Nairobi or its surroundings and residents of the East African city won't experience the day-to-night transformation characteristic of a total solar eclipse , but they can look forward to future eclipses that might be visible from the region.

Best locations to view the total solar eclipse

The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific Ocean and make its first landfall on Mexico’s Pacific coast at approximately 11:07 a.m. PDT (9:07 p.m. EAT).

From there, it will traverse a narrow path stretching from Texas to Maine, including parts of Canada, before exiting over the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at around 5:16 p.m. NDT (10:46 p.m. EAT).

Great locations for viewing this celestial spectacle span across several U.S. states. Key viewing times in various cities along the path of totality are as follows:-

• Dallas, Texas: Totality will occur from 1:40 p.m. to 1:44 p.m. CDT (9:40 p.m. to 9:44 p.m. EAT) .
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Observers can expect totality from 1:51 p.m. to 1:54 p.m. CDT (9:51 p.m. to 9:54 p.m. EAT) .
• Carbondale, Illinois: Totality is anticipated from 1:59 p.m. to 2:03 p.m. CDT (9:59 p.m. to 10:03 p.m. EAT) .
• Cleveland, Ohio: The eclipse will reach totality from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m. EDT (10:13 p.m. to 10:17 p.m. EAT) .
• Buffalo, New York: Totality will span from 3:18 p.m. to 3:22 p.m. EDT (10:18 p.m to 10:22 p.m. EAT) .

For those situated in areas of exceptional natural beauty, such as the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests in Arkansas, the experience promises to be even more mesmerising.

Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, for example, will enjoy about 3 minutes and 37 seconds of totality, making it a prime location for both the eclipse and the natural setting.

For those who miss the 2024 event, the next total solar eclipse visible in the U.S. will not occur until March 30, 2033, and will only be visible in parts of Alaska.

Safety precautions for watching a solar eclipse

Viewing the eclipse offers a unique experience: the sudden shift from daylight to a twilight-like darkness, the appearance of stars and planets such as Venus and Jupiter, and the visibility of the solar corona, the sun’s outer atmosphere .

Moreover, this event will provide a rare opportunity to see the "Devil's Comet", especially through binoculars, with the right conditions and positioning.

To safely enjoy the eclipse, it’s imperative to use eclipse glasses that adhere to the international safety standard ISO 12312-2:2015, ensuring protection from harmful solar radiation.

Looking directly at the Sun , even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors can also be safe. Never use sunglasses, smoked glass, or other makeshift filters.

Types and frequency of solar eclipses

Solar eclipses can be divided into four main types: total, partial, annular, and hybrid.

• A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the Sun, as seen from Earth. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth. Total solar eclipses are rare at any given location because the totality path is very narrow.
• In a partial solar eclipse , the moon covers only part of the Sun. This happens when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are not exactly aligned.
• An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in a ring of sunlight being visible around the moon.
• A hybrid eclipse is a rare phenomenon that shifts between a total and an annular eclipse. At some points on Earth, it appears as a total eclipse, while at other points, it appears as an annular eclipse.

Solar eclipses happen approximately 2 to 5 times a year, but total eclipses in a specific location are much rarer, happening about once every 375 years on average.

READ: What is unusual about Nairobi weather? Expert answers 3 big questions

Phases of a solar eclipse

A solar eclipse unfolds in phases:

• Partial eclipse begins: The moon starts moving over the Sun's disk.
• Total or Annular eclipse begins: For a total eclipse, the moon entirely covers the Sun. In an annular eclipse, the moon's center covers the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight.
• Maximum eclipse: The peak phase where the eclipse reaches its maximum coverage.
• Total or Annular eclipse ends: The moon starts moving away from the center of the Sun.
• Partial eclipse ends: The moon stops covering the Sun

This content was generated by an AI model and verified by the author.

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April 8, 2024, Solar Eclipse Will Pass Over All 7 US Cities Named Nineveh?

Some christian groups have preached that the eclipse is a bad omen., published march 31, 2024.

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On April 8, 2024 , a total solar eclipse will blot out the sun for a couple of minutes in a small band across the United States. The eclipse's totality is the only time humans can look directly at the sun without damaging their eyeballs, and so millions of people from around the world will flock to cities in the path of totality, such as Dallas and Indianapolis.

Eclipses do not discriminate, so anyone in the path of totality will be able to see the sun fully obstructed by the moon. However, some people  have claimed online that there's one interesting coincidence about the eclipse's path of totality: It will pass through every city in the United States named Nineveh. That name is shared by an ancient city in modern-day Iraq that was described in the bible as "evil." 

Snopes received an email from a reader who requested that we check the claim about cities named Nineveh in the eclipse path. In our research, we discovered that many of the people making the claim were Christians who were interpreting the eclipse as a bad omen . 

Contrary to the claims, Snopes discovered that the path of totality in the eclipse does not pass through seven cities in the United States named Nineveh — it passes through just two. But before counting places named Nineveh, we must first briefly clarify how eclipses work.

How Eclipses Work

A total solar eclipse is caused by the moon and the sun being in exactly the right place at exactly the right time. The moon fully blocks the light from the sun, casting a really large shadow on the earth. Those inside the moon's shadow, called the umbra, are the only ones who will be able to look directly at the sun without eye protection, and it's the small path of the umbra that people travel to in order to see the total solar eclipse. The website GreatAmericanEclipse.com created a visualization of the shadow's path across North America.

Outside the umbra, where the moon blocks only some of the sun, is called a partial solar eclipse, and the sun looks like it has a giant bite taken out of it. You cannot view a partial solar eclipse without special eclipse glasses, and this area is much, much larger than the umbra. The entirety of the continental United States will be able to see a partial solar eclipse on April 8, just as the entirety of the United States (even Alaska and Hawaii) was able to see a partial solar eclipse in  2017 . 

The cool part (partial) of an eclipse can be seen from a very large area, as long as you wear eclipse glasses. The really cool part (total) of an eclipse can be seen only in a small area. It is the total eclipse that people have thought held religious significance since practically as long as humans have had eyes to see and religions to follow.

To quote the essayist Annie Dillard :

A partial eclipse is very interesting. It bears almost no relation to a total eclipse. Seeing a partial eclipse bears the same relation to seeing a total eclipse as kissing a man does to marrying him, or as flying in an airplane does to falling out of an airplane. Although the one experience precedes the other, it in no way prepares you for it. 

Places Named Nineveh

We started with Wikipedia's list of places named Nineveh to get a general idea of where to look. Of course, we cross checked those results with more-reliable sources of knowledge, including Google Maps and data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Wikipedia listed just six places in the U.S. named Nineveh, which made our claim of seven dubious to begin with. Checking the locations of those places on Google Maps, we found that three were actually townships, a term used for county subdivisons in some states. 

The first was the largest, Indiana's Nineveh Township (south of Indianapolis), which contains a small hamlet of the same name. Both the township and the hamlet will indeed fall in the path of the total eclipse.

Next, Wikipedia listed two townships in Missouri — one in Adair County (about halfway between Kansas City and Davenport, Iowa) and one in Lincoln County (about an hour northwest of St. Louis). But neither of the two townships contained a village named Nineveh on any of the maps we looked at. Furthermore, neither of the townships fell in the path of the total eclipse. 

The fourth place on Wikipedia's list, Nineveh, New York, is about 30 minutes east of Binghamton. We found it marked on maps but, again, it did not lie in the path of totality.

Fifth: Nineveh, Pennsylvania, roughly halfway between Pittsburgh and Morgantown, West Virginia. This Nineveh was marked on maps, but it was also outside of the total eclipse. It was also the last Nineveh listed by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sixth, we found Nineveh, Virginia, an hour and a half west of Washington, D.C. This was the easiest to check: Nobody in the state of Virginia will be able to see full totality during the eclipse. We did not find a label for Nineveh on maps, and buildings located in the area had their postal addresses listed as White Post, Virginia.

That completed the Wikipedia list, but various posts about the supposed line-up listed two more Ninevehs located in the U.S.: one in Texas and one in Ohio.

Nineveh, Texas, was not marked on maps, nor did it have a post office. It was located not far off of Interstate 45 halfway between Houston and Dallas. This one was close, but we eventually confirmed that it would be outside of the zone of totality by referencing nearby cities that also were outside of totality.

Nineveh, Ohio, was a similar story: not found on maps, no post office, no Census data. But this Nineveh, 30 minutes northwest of Dayton, was finally our second hit.

In total, we counted two places named Nineveh in the United States that could be found in the path of totality.

2024 Total Eclipse . https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"A Total Eclipse Is near. For Some, It's Evidence of Higher Power. For Others It's a Warning." USA TODAY , https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/23/2024-total-solar-exclipse-religious-implications/72869724007/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

April 8, 2024 Eclipse Will Pass Over 7 United States Cities Named Nineveh . www.youtube.com , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n6dp85XynY. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

April 8 Eclipse and Third-Day Events in Scripture . https://www.biblejournalclasses.com/blog/april-8-eclipse-and-third-day-events-in-scripture-2. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Dawson, Brandon. "THE JONAH ECLIPSE - 40 DAYS - GODS URGENT WARNING TO AMERICA!" Tribe of Christians , 2 Mar. 2024, https://www.tribeofchristians.com/single-post/the-jonah-eclipse-god-s-great-warning-to-america-april-8th-2024.

Dillard, Annie. "Total Eclipse." The Atlantic , 8 Aug. 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/08/annie-dillards-total-eclipse/536148/.

Eclipse 2017 . https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Mark, Joshua J. "Nineveh." World History Encyclopedia , https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"Nineveh (Disambiguation)." Wikipedia , 29 Oct. 2023. Wikipedia , https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nineveh_(disambiguation)&oldid=1182408744.

Noah. "The Upcoming U.S. Eclipse Just Got Even Stranger!" WLT Report , 4 Mar. 2024, https://wltreport.com/2024/03/04/upcoming-u-s-eclipse-just-got-even-stranger/.

The APRIL 8, 2024 ECLIPSE & The 7 Cities Named Nineveh | The APRIL 8, 2024 ECLIPSE & The 7 Cities Named Nineveh | By Messiah GuguFacebook . www.facebook.com , https://www.facebook.com/100067092253715/videos/the-april-8-2024-eclipse-the-7-cities-named-nineveh/397509926249711/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

The April 8 2024 Eclipse and the 7 Cities Named Nineveh . www.youtube.com , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLkxKT65IFc. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

"Total Solar Eclipse 2024 US." Great American Eclipse , https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/april-8-2024. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

By Jack Izzo

Jack Izzo is a Chicago-based journalist and two-time "Jeopardy!" alumnus.

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In the coming months, the Location History setting name will change to Timeline. If Location History is turned on for your account, you may find Timeline in your app and account settings.

Google Maps Timeline

Manage your Timeline

Google Maps Timeline is a personal map that helps you remember routes and trips you've taken and places you've been based on your Location History. You can edit your Timeline at any time and delete your Location History in Timeline.

If you have settings like Web & App Activity turned on and you turn off Location History or delete location data from Location History, you may still have location data saved in your Google Account as part of your use of other Google Sites, apps, and services. This activity can include info about your location from your device’s general area and IP address. For example, location data may be saved as part of activity on Search and Google Maps when your Web & App Activity setting is on, and included in your photos, depending on your camera app settings.

Find your travels

You can find how far you've traveled and the way that you traveled, such as walking, biking, driving, or on public transport. Timeline measures distances in miles or kilometers is based on your country or region.

• On your computer, open Google Maps .
• Sign in with the same Google Account that you use on your mobile device.

• To find another date, at the top, choose a day, month, and year.

Find your home & work on Timeline

If you've saved your home and work addresses, they show up on Timeline. In addition to Timeline, this information may also be used in other Google products and services.

Learn how to set your home and work addresses .

Edit Timeline

If a place is wrong on Timeline, you can edit the location and when you were there. 

• On your computer, go to Timeline .

• Choose the correct place or search for a place in the search box.
• To edit when you were there, click the time.
• Click the day that you want to delete.

• Click Delete day .

To delete Location History:

• Click Delete Location History .

Automatically delete your Location History

You can automatically delete Location History that’s older than 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.

• Follow the on-screen instructions.

Turn Location History on or off

When you turn on Location History, your precise device location is regularly saved — to your devices and Google’s servers, even when Google apps aren’t being used, and creates your Timeline.

Learn more about how to manage your Location History .

You’re in control

You can always review your data, and any choices you make here, at activity.google.com or your Timeline .

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