What is the path of totality during a total solar eclipse?

The path of totality is a narrow, specific belt on Earth where the Moon’s umbra—the darkest, central part of its shadow—passes during a total solar eclipse.312

Because the umbral cone is quite narrow at the distance of Earth, this path is typically only about 150 km (90 miles) wide. Observers located within this specific swath are the only ones who can witness the Sun’s disk being completely obscured by the Moon.314

Outside of this narrow path, observers may experience a partial eclipse if they are within the much larger region covered by the penumbra, where the Sun is only partially blocked. The duration of totality for those within the path is brief, generally lasting between two and five minutes.1253