The first solar eclipse of 2025 is set to occur on March 29, bringing a partial solar eclipse that will be visible across parts of North America, Europe, and Africa. While observers in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada will have the best views, those in India will miss out entirely due to the path of the Moon's shadow.
The partial solar eclipse will begin at approximately 4:50 AM EDT, peak at 6:47 AM EDT, and conclude at 8:43 AM EDT. In India, the event will technically start at 2:20 PM IST, peak at 4:17 PM IST, and end at 6:13 PM IST. However, due to the alignment and time difference, it will not be visible from the country.
As the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, it will cover only a portion of the Sun, creating a striking crescent shape in the sky. This phenomenon, known as a partial solar eclipse, differs from a total eclipse where the Moon completely obscures the Sun. The March 29 eclipse will be particularly special for those in northeastern North America, who will experience a "double sunrise," where the rising Sun appears to have two horns due to the partial coverage.
For those in the U.S. looking to catch the eclipse, the best locations will be in the northeastern states. In New Hampshire, for instance, observers can expect to see about 53% of the Sun’s diameter covered by the Moon, while locations in mid-Pennsylvania will see only about 3% coverage. Cities such as Presque Isle, Maine, will see the eclipse beginning at 6:21 AM, while Boston will see it around 6:38 AM. Other cities like New York City and Philadelphia will also have views, albeit with less coverage.
Canada will offer some of the best views of the eclipse, particularly in eastern provinces like Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. In these areas, viewers can expect to see up to 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. Observers in Nuuk, Greenland, will experience the maximum eclipse at 8:53 AM local time, with a coverage of 87.41%.
Health experts emphasize the importance of safety when viewing the solar eclipse. Staring directly at the Sun without proper eye protection can lead to serious eye damage. NASA recommends using ISO-certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers that comply with international safety standards. Regular sunglasses or homemade alternatives are not safe for viewing and can cause permanent damage to the eyes.
For those without eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods such as a pinhole projector can be used. This simple device allows observers to project an image of the Sun onto a flat surface, enabling safe viewing without direct eye exposure.
The eclipse will be livestreamed for those unable to view it in person. Notable platforms like Timeanddate will host livestreams featuring amateur astronomers capturing the event from various locations, including the Bay of Fundy in Canada. The Royal Observatory Greenwich will also provide a livestream, offering insights into the science behind solar eclipses.
In addition to the March 29 eclipse, another partial solar eclipse is expected later in the year on September 21, 2025, which will be best visible in New Zealand and Antarctica. For those interested in future celestial events, there are several upcoming solar eclipses, including an annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026, and a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.
As the date approaches, space enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare for the event, whether by securing proper viewing equipment or tuning into livestreams. The March 29 solar eclipse promises to be a captivating spectacle, showcasing the beauty and wonder of our solar system.
