Skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts are in for a spectacular celestial event as a partial solar eclipse is set to occur on March 29, 2025. This breathtaking phenomenon will follow a total lunar eclipse that took place just weeks earlier, adding to the excitement for stargazers. The eclipse will be particularly visible across parts of the northeastern United States and Canada, where observers will witness the moon partially obscuring the sun at sunrise, creating a stunning crescent-like effect.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely blocks the sun, a partial eclipse leaves a portion of the sun visible, offering a unique viewing experience. This event will be visible to over 800 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely observed astronomical occurrences of 2025. With proper precautions and the right viewing locations, this solar eclipse promises to be a memorable spectacle.
Where and when to watch solar eclipse in US: Check time and locations
According to Space.com, the March 29, 2025, solar eclipse will occur between 4:50 a.m. and 8:43 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The event will be best visible at sunrise across several states in the northeastern U.S. and parts of Canada.
Solar eclipse timings in US and key locations
The following states will have some of the best views of the partial solar eclipse, as reported by USA Today:
- New York – 6:35 a.m. to 7:12 a.m.
- Massachusetts – 6:27 a.m. to 7:08 a.m.
- Maine – 6:13 a.m. to 7:17 a.m.
- Pennsylvania – 6:46 a.m. to 7:08 a.m.
- New Jersey – 6:43 a.m. to 7:06 a.m.
- Virginia – 6:50 a.m. to 7:03 a.m.
Additionally, the eclipse will be visible across Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. However, visibility will depend on local weather conditions, so clear skies will be essential for an optimal viewing experience.
Understanding the partial solar eclipse
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, but its alignment is not perfect, causing only a portion of the sun to be obscured. The extent to which the sun is covered depends on the observer’s location. During this event, the moon will appear to take a “bite” out of the sun, producing a crescent-like visual effect.
Although partial eclipses do not create the dramatic darkness of a total eclipse, they remain fascinating astronomical events. Observers will notice shadows appearing sharper, temperature drops, and changes in animal behavior during the peak of the eclipse.
Moon’s shadow on the sun: All you need to know about the March 2025 solar eclipse
The March 29, 2025, eclipse is part of a series of solar eclipses that occur as the Earth, moon, and sun align at specific intervals. The moon’s orbital tilt prevents solar eclipses from occurring every month, making them relatively rare events.
During a partial solar eclipse, the sun is never fully covered, and the extent of the obscuration depends on the observer’s position on Earth. The phenomenon is a reminder of the intricate mechanics of celestial bodies and their predictable yet mesmerizing movements.
At sunrise, when the eclipse reaches its peak in North America, the sun will appear as a thin crescent, giving the impression that a large portion of it has been “bitten off.” As the moon moves along its orbit, the sun will gradually regain its full shape, marking the end of the event.
Safety tips for viewing the March 2025 solar eclipse
Unlike lunar eclipses, which are safe to view with the naked eye, solar eclipses require special protective measures. Looking directly at the sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause severe retinal damage, often referred to as “eclipse blindness.”
To safely observe the eclipse, experts recommend using:
- Eclipse glasses that comply with ISO 12312-2 safety standards.
- Solar viewing filters to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging the eyes.
- Pinhole projectors or solar telescopes as indirect viewing methods.
Standard sunglasses are not sufficient for protection and should not be used. Organizations such as NASA and the American Astronomical Society provide guidelines on purchasing certified eclipse glasses to ensure safe viewing.
Solar eclipse 2025 related FAQs
1. When and where will the March 29, 2025, solar eclipse be visible?
The partial solar eclipse will occur on March 29, 2025, between 4:50 a.m. and 8:43 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). It will be best visible at sunrise across the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Some of the key locations for optimal viewing include New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, among others.
2. What is a partial solar eclipse, and how is it different from a total solar eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun but does not fully cover it. This results in a portion of the sun remaining visible, creating a crescent-like effect. In contrast, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun, briefly turning day into night.
3. How can I safely watch the solar eclipse?
Viewing a solar eclipse requires proper eye protection. Experts recommend using eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 safety standards, solar viewing filters, or indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors. Standard sunglasses are not safe for eclipse viewing, as they do not provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays.
4. Why do solar eclipses not happen every month?
Solar eclipses are rare because the moon’s orbit is tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This means that the moon, Earth, and sun do not always align perfectly. Eclipses only occur when their orbits intersect at specific points, leading to either partial or total solar eclipses.
5. Will the eclipse cause any noticeable changes in the environment?
Yes, during the peak of the eclipse, observers may notice subtle environmental changes such as a slight drop in temperature, sharper shadows, and altered animal behavior. These effects occur because the reduced sunlight affects both the atmosphere and the natural world.