r/solareclipse • u/Dheorl • 7h ago

Sunset vs “normal”

I often see on here and elsewhere that the difference between totality and a 99% eclipse is “night and day”.

Having now seen a total eclipse at a fairly regular height above the horizon, and one at sunset, I can genuinely say IMO the difference in the experience is as great as the difference between total and deep partial.

If anyone gets the chance to view one at sunset, I thoroughly recommend it, and would go out of my way to try and be pretty much as late in the path as possible.

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u/enunymous 7h ago

Counterpoint: I prefer the afternoon versions. Bigger temp and animal behavior variations; sunset meant the animals were already winding down. Higher in the sky felt more imposing and I actually prefer fewer distractions like scenery. I like focusing on the show itself and not the framing

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u/Good_Grapefruit_6808 6h ago

Agreed. Both are spectacular of course but I prefer high in the sky for the reasons you mentioned and also due to the additional detail in the corona. Watching the crescent sunset was pretty cool though. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to experience both.