The year 2025 will host two solar eclipses, a partial solar eclipse on March 29th and another on September 21st. Unlike the total solar eclipse of 2024, which graced North America with a spectacular display, neither of the 2025 eclipses will reach totality, meaning the moon will not completely obscure the sun. While totality won’t occur, the March eclipse offers a unique opportunity, particularly for observers in northeastern North America and eastern Canada, to witness a partially eclipsed sun rising. This intriguing celestial event, though less dramatic than a total eclipse, promises a memorable spectacle. The September eclipse, also partial, will only be visible from the Southern Hemisphere, including Tasmania, New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Antarctica.
The March 29th partial solar eclipse, while generally less captivating than a total eclipse, is notable for its depth. With up to 94% of the sun covered by the moon at its peak, this eclipse promises a significantly darkened sky and a unique opportunity to observe the sun’s crescent shape. This deep partial eclipse will already be underway as the sun rises across North America, offering the potential for dramatic visuals of an eclipsed sunrise. However, clear skies are essential for optimal viewing. Remember, observing any solar eclipse requires proper eye protection with certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage.
The geographic visibility of the March eclipse varies considerably. Within North America, the northeastern United States and eastern Canada are favored viewing locations. While observers from Pennsylvania to Maine will see a small portion of the sun eclipsed at sunrise, the further northeast one travels, the greater the eclipse’s magnitude and duration. Prime viewing spots for the eclipsed sunrise include New Brunswick and the far north of Quebec, Canada. These locations will experience a more substantial obscuration of the sun and a longer duration of the eclipse.
Across the Atlantic, Europe and Africa will also witness the partial eclipse, although it will occur well after sunrise in those regions. The extent of the eclipse will vary significantly across these continents. Greenland and Iceland will experience the deepest partial eclipse, with 86% and 70% coverage, respectively. Further south, the eclipse will be less pronounced. Dublin will witness a 41% eclipse, London 30%, Paris 23%, and Berlin a mere 15%. Therefore, the further north and west within Europe, the more substantial the eclipse will appear.
The March 29th partial solar eclipse unfolds globally between 08:50 and 12:43 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), which corresponds to 4:50 a.m. and 8:43 a.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). However, the duration of the eclipse as observed from a specific location will range from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the observer’s geographic position. To determine the precise timing of the eclipse for your specific location, utilize an online eclipse calculator or consult astronomical resources that provide location-specific information. These resources can offer precise times for the beginning, peak, and end of the eclipse in your area.
The second solar eclipse of 2025, occurring on September 21st, is also a partial eclipse but will be visible exclusively from the Southern Hemisphere. This eclipse will grace the skies over Tasmania (Australia), New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Antarctica. Observers in these regions will have the opportunity to witness a partially obscured sun, although the extent of the eclipse will vary depending on their specific location. Those in the path of the eclipse should remember to use appropriate eye protection to safely observe this celestial phenomenon. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the September eclipse will be entirely invisible.
The March 29th partial solar eclipse offers a unique opportunity, especially for those in northeastern North America, to witness a partially eclipsed sunrise. While not as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, this event promises an intriguing celestial display. The September eclipse, though also partial, will be confined to the Southern Hemisphere. Regardless of location, remember to prioritize safe viewing practices by using certified eclipse glasses when observing any part of a solar eclipse.
