Excitement is building for the upcoming partial solar eclipse that will be visible across the UK on Saturday, March 29, 2025. This rare celestial event will see the Moon passing over the Sun, creating an astonishing spectacle for sky watchers. Nearly half of the Sun will appear to 'disappear' in the sky during this event, with the best views anticipated in the northwest of Scotland.
The eclipse will begin at around 10.07am UK time, with maximum coverage occurring at 11.03am from London, and ending at 12.00pm. In the northwest of Scotland, lucky observers will witness nearly 50 percent of the Sun being blocked, while those in southeast England can expect only about 28 percent of the Sun obscured by the Moon.
As tempting as it may be to look directly at the phenomenon, safety is critical. The BBC advises, "You should never look directly at the Sun, so it’s important to remember that a solar eclipse cannot be viewed without appropriate eye protection." Sky watchers are encouraged to check if local astronomical societies are hosting viewing events. Buying filtered solar eclipse glasses or using a pinhole projection are suggested methods to enjoy the spectacle safely.
This upcoming solar eclipse marks the end of an extraordinary month for enthusiasts of astronomy. Following a remarkable planetary alignment that allowed viewers to see Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter in the early March sky, a stunning Blood Moon graced those looking skyward on March 14 during another rare lunar eclipse.
Historically, eclipses often occur in pairs; for example, a lunar eclipse frequently precedes a solar eclipse within two weeks. After the recent lunar eclipse, March 29 will present the partial solar eclipse opportunity, with around 40 percent of the Sun covered by the Moon.
For those wondering about the last time the UK enjoyed a full solar eclipse, it was back in 1999, when a spectacular total solar eclipse swept across the skies. This event was particularly significant due to its visibility in densely populated areas, with many people gathering in Cornwall to witness totality. It is important to note that such total solar eclipses happen roughly every 400 years from any one location on Earth.
Looking ahead, the next total solar eclipse will not occur in the UK until September 2090. However, there are more partial solar eclipses lined up for UK watchers. The next noteworthy event will take place in August 2026, when an impressive 89 percent of the Sun is expected to be covered. This partial eclipse will begin at 6.17pm BST, reaching its peak at 7.13pm.
After the August 2026 eclipse, additional partial eclipses will be visible in August 2027, January 2028, and June 2030. Observers should mark their calendars as there will be no more eclipses until August 2036.
This week’s partial solar eclipse presents a thrilling chance for people across the UK to connect with the wonders of the universe. With proper precautions taken, sky watchers will be treated to a captivating natural phenomenon that underscores the breathtaking beauty of astronomy.
