Sky gazers are in for a celestial spectacle as the first solar eclipse of 2025 is near. This partial eclipse, also known as Surya Grahan, is one of only two solar eclipses expected this year.
Eclipse Date, Time, and Visibility
This will take place on Saturday, March 29, 2025. It will begin at approximately 4:50 a.m. EDT, peak at 6:47 a.m. EDT, and end by 8:43 a.m. EDT.
For observers in India, the eclipse will start around 2:20 p.m. IST, reach its peak at 4:17 p.m. IST, and conclude by 6:13 p.m. IST. However, due to its timing, the phenomenon will not be visible from India. The best views will be in North America, where the event aligns with daylight hours.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
The partial solar eclipse will be visible across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America, and parts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the sunlight. In a partial eclipse, the alignment is not perfect, leaving a portion of the sun visible. Unlike total eclipses, which are confined to a narrow path, partial eclipses cover a wider area, making them more accessible to viewers worldwide.
What Happens During a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow and blocking some or all of the sunlight. In a partial eclipse, the alignment is not perfect, leaving a portion of the sun visible. This is different from a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely obscured, plunging the day into temporary darkness.
Partial eclipses are more widely seen than total eclipses because their coverage extends beyond the narrow path of totality. The exact degree of coverage depends on the observer’s location—some regions will see only a slight obscuration, while others may witness up to 60–70% of the sun covered.
Safety Precautions for Viewing
With just a few weeks until the event, astronomers advise using proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters, to safely observe the spectacle. Looking at the sun directly, even during an eclipse, can cause serious eye damage.
