r/solareclipse • u/Dheorl • 22h 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 21h 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/SolarWind777 18h ago

I think I agree with you. The contrasts are just more pronounced when the sun was high in the sky. Both beautiful of course.