2025 will be an exciting year for astronomy enthusiasts with two significant eclipses on the calendar—one solar and one lunar. These cosmic events will provide spectacular views, with thousands of people likely gathering to witness the breathtaking moments when the sun and moon align.
The first event is the partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, beginning at 8:50 UTC and peaking at 10:47 UTC. This deep partial solar eclipse will be primarily viewable from northeastern North America, Greenland, Iceland, the northern Atlantic Ocean, most of Europe, and northwestern Russia. Maximum coverage during the eclipse will see approximately 93% of the sun hidden behind the moon at its deepest point. It marks the perfect opportunity for everyone within its path to experience the beauty of solar eclipses, albeit with the necessary eye protection to avoid damage.
"The number one rule for solar eclipse observing is to make sure you protect your eyes by using appropriate filters," stresses the informational resource EarthSky. These filters can minimize the sun’s harmful rays, allowing for safe viewing of this spectacle.
This eclipse belongs to Saros 149, number 21 of 71 eclipses cataloged, and will take place when the moon is positioned just before it reaches perigee—its closest point to Earth. The eclipse will be viewable across specific cities, with wider details about visibility available online as the event approaches.
This stellar showcase is just one component of what astronomers call 'eclipse seasons,' periods when multiple eclipses occur. March 2025 boasts another notable event as it includes two eclipses. The first being the total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, followed by the partial solar eclipse later on the 29th.
Following the March 2025 events, attention will shift to September, where another significant lunar event awaits. On September 7, 2025, skywatchers will be treated to the total lunar eclipse, when the moon will be fully engulfed by Earth's shadow for around 83 minutes, resulting in what many affectionately refer to as the 'Blood Moon'
This total lunar eclipse will be particularly visible from regions including Antarctica, Australia, parts of Asia, the Indian Ocean, Europe, and Africa. This spectacular display is expected to start at 15:28 UTC with the penumbral eclipse, transitioning to the partial eclipse by 16:26 UTC, before culminating with totality at 17:30 UTC.
"At mid-eclipse, the moon will be located directly overhead in the Indian Ocean, directly aligned with the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer," notes the reports covering this 2025 astronomical phenomenon. The eclipse's peak will occur at 18:11 UTC, illuminating the moon with shades of deep red due to the scattering of sunlight through Earth's atmosphere—a sight no stargazer will want to miss!
The total lunar eclipse is known for being completely safe to view with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses. While binoculars and telescopes may provide an enriched perspective, they aren’t necessary for appreciation.
"The September full moon is nicknamed the Corn Moon due to the timing of corn harvesting," explains EarthSky. This year, it serves as the third and final full moon of summer for the Northern Hemisphere. Although it does not bear the title of Harvest Moon, it will exhibit many characteristics associated with it, including rising closely to sunset.
The September 7 total lunar eclipse will be part of another eclipse season, which will conclude two weeks later with another partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025. Such eclipses are inherently special, drawing communities together to share awe and wonder, and with popularity surging, they can often spark renewed interest among budding astronomers.
Additional resources and detailed maps are available to help observers pinpoint their locations for viewing either event effectively. The internet will be buzzing with animation and data, allowing for close tracking of each eclipse's particulars. Don't underestimate the value of preparation, as getting acquainted with the phases and paths of these events can significantly enrich the experience.
Mark your calendars! March 29 and September 7, 2025, promise to deliver exceptional visual treats, showcasing nature’s grand orchestration of light and shadow. With safety measures considered, it's time to gear up for some remarkable cosmic observations!