FOLLOW US

According to Space.com, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, skywatchers in the northeastern United States and Canada can witness a partial solar eclipse in the early hours of the day.

This event is caused by the arrival of the new moon March 2025, which will partially obscure the sun's disk.

The eclipse will be visible across the northeastern part of North America, much of Europe, and Russia, with some visibility as far south as Morocco.

Causes of a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align in such a way that the moon only partially covers the sun as seen from Earth. 

Typically, the moon passes above or below the sun, but in this instance, it will move directly in front of the sun, creating the appearance of a "bite" taken out of the solar disk. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the entire sun is obscured for a brief period, a partial eclipse never completely covers the sun.

For real-time updates and coverage of the partial solar eclipse, you can follow our solar eclipse live blog.

When and Where to See the Eclipse

In the United States, the partial solar eclipse will begin around 4:50 a.m. EDT and will end just before 8:43 a.m. EDT, according to Time and Date. The peak viewing time will vary based on location.

The best visibility in the U.S. will be in the Northeastern region, including major cities such as Philadelphia, New York City, New Jersey, and Boston. Observers in these areas should have a clear view of the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun.

Protecting Your Eyes

Even though this is only a partial eclipse, proper eye protection is essential at all times.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, where viewers can briefly look at the sun without protection during totality, a partial eclipse never provides a safe moment to do so. Viewing the sun without protection, even for a few seconds, can lead to serious eye damage or "eclipse blindness."

The American Optometric Association warns that prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays during an eclipse can damage the retina.

NASA also strongly advises against looking at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any optical device, even while wearing eclipse glasses, as concentrated solar rays can burn through filters and cause severe eye injury.

A Must-See Astronomical Event

The American Astronomical Society (AAS) maintains a list of approved vendors that sell ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2). Unlike regular sunglasses, these glasses are thousands of times darker and specifically designed for solar viewing.

You can purchase certified solar eclipse glasses from retailers such as Walmart or Target. Some public libraries, astronomical observatories, schools, and other public agencies may also distribute free eclipse glasses.

Beware of counterfeit or uncertified glasses—always ensure they come from a reputable vendor.

While this partial solar eclipse will not be as dramatic as the total solar eclipse of April 2024, it remains a fascinating celestial event worth observing—safely.

If you’re in the northeastern U.S. or Canada, make sure to mark your calendar for the early morning of March 29, 2025, and prepare to witness a remarkable moment in the sky!