Mark your calendars! On March 29, 2025, people across North America, Europe, and Northern Asia will get to see a partial solar eclipse. It’s not a total solar eclipse, but it’s still an incredible sight as the Moon moves in front of the Sun, covering part of it and creating a surreal view.
Watching a solar eclipse is always a memorable experience. Though rare, they give us a chance to witness the amazing cosmic dance of the Sun, Moon, and Earth. So, if you’ve never seen one before, this is the perfect chance! Whether you’re an astronomy lover or just curious. It’ll sure be a mesmerizing sight.
So let’s have a detailed look on what exactly this Partial Solar Eclipse of March 2025 is about!
What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
credits: Phillip Jones/Getty Images
A Partial Solar Eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth but does not cover the Sun completely. Instead, it looks like someone has taken a bite out of the Sun. This happens because the Moon, Earth, and Sun don’t line up perfectly in a straight line.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, which is a proper Syzygy alignment where the Sun is completely blocked for a short time, a partial solar eclipse leaves part of the Sun visible. And the amount of the Sun that gets covered depends on when and where you are. Some places will see just a small chunk missing, while others might see most of it covered. The closer you are to the center of the eclipse’s path, the more of the Sun will be hidden. But no matter where you are, the Sun never completely disappears during a partial solar eclipse.
These eclipses only happen during a new moon, but not every month, because the Moon’s orbit is slightly tilted compared to Earth’s. Sometimes, the Moon’s shadow misses Earth completely, and no eclipse happens at all. But when it does, it’s a fascinating event. Seeing the Sun change shape in the sky, even just for a little while, is a great reminder of how everything in space is always moving—even if we don’t notice it in our daily lives.
When and Where to Watch
credits: timeanddate.com
This partial solar eclipse will be visible in many parts of the world, including North America especially parts of Canada and the Northern US, Central and northern parts of Europe and Northern Asia.
The exact visibility and how much of the Sun will be covered will depend on your location. Some key locations and approximate timings:
- New York, USA: 06:35 – 07:21 (EDT)
- London, UK: 10:07 – 12:00 (GMT)
- Moscow, Russia: 14:22 – 15:14 (MSK)
To find out the exact time of the partial solar eclipse for your city, you can use online eclipse calculators like TimeandDate.com or check with your local observatory.
Want to predict eclipses on your own? Check out our article on the Saros Cycle and learn how to calculate eclipses in real time!
Safe Viewing Tips
Looking at the Sun directly, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. That is why taking proper safety precautions are important while viewing a Solar Eclipse:
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Use Proper Eye Protection
credits: Marco de Swart
- Always wear eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe!
- If you are using telescopes or binoculars, make sure to use solar filters.
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Try Indirect Viewing Methods
If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can still watch the eclipse safely using simple DIY methods:
credits: timeanddate.com
- Pinhole Camera/Projector: Poke a small hole in a piece of cardboard and let sunlight pass through onto a flat surface. You’ll see the Sun’s image as a crescent shape.
- Colander Trick: Hold a kitchen colander towards the ground, and each hole will project a tiny crescent Sun!
Click here for a complete DIY guide on making your own pinhole camera and safely watching the eclipse!
Effects of this Partial Solar Eclipse
During the eclipse, the Sun will look like a bite has been taken out of it. The sky won’t go completely dark, but there will be noticeable changes:
credits: Manvender Vashist Lav
- A drop in brightness, making it feel like an early sunset.
- A slight temperature drop, as less sunlight reaches the ground.
- Shadows may appear sharper, and if you’re in an area with trees, you might see crescent-shaped shadows on the ground.
How dark it gets and how much of the Sun is covered will depend on where you are. Some regions will see up to 85% of the Sun covered, while others will see a smaller portion.
The March 29, 2025, partial solar eclipse is an amazing event to witness, whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just someone who just enjoys the work of nature. It’s a reminder of the beautiful mechanics of our universe and an opportunity to engage in some simple science with family and friends.
So, prepare your eclipse glasses, set a reminder, and get ready for a breathtaking celestial show!
Share your experience and photos by tagging us @stargazingmumbai on Instagram! Also, stay tuned for the next solar eclipse and other fascinating astronomical phenomena by following our official social media handles.
To learn more about these cosmic dances of the Sun, Moon and Earth make sure to read our articles on:
- Moon Tides 101 – the Magic of Moon’s Gravitational Pull on Earth’s Oceans
- Solar Flares: Dancing with Danger – 7 Facts About the Sun’s Wild Side
- Solar Eclipse 2024: Fascinating Points to Know
- Supermoons in 2025: Catch the Best Version of our Moon
