How long can a total eclipse of the Sun last?

Question

How long can a total eclipse of the Sun last?

Answer 1

7 minutes

Answer 2

I thought it was 12 minutes.

Answer 3

The answer by L is correct.Depend upon the disrtance of moon from earth/the moons distance from sun,the time will vary from few seconds to a maximum of 7minutes.The coming eclipse on1st aug 2008 ,the maximum is about 2minutes.

Answer 4

The shortest eclipse occurred in 1912 on April 17. It only lasted for 2 seconds because the shadow just barely touched the surface of the Earth.

The longest eclipse on record occurred in the year 671 on December 7th. It lasted for 10 minutes and 18 seconds.

These are the times that an observer standing on some point would be able to see the eclipse. The total time that the Sun's shadow can travel across the surface of the Earth is measured in hours.

:-D Ancient Astrologers had a lot to say whenever they saw an eclipse.

Answer 5

Only a few minutes but a lunar eclipse can last up to hours.