Get ready for a rare celestial treat: Partial Solar Eclipse on March 29, 2025!

Mark your calender for March 29, 2025, as a partial solar eclipse will leave astronomy enthusiasts and sky observers in awe. The rare spectacle will be seen over parts of the northeastern United States and Canada, creating a picturesque crescent-like shape of the sun at sunrise.

What to expect during the Eclipse?

In contrast to a total solar eclipse, in which the moon covers the sun entirely, a partial eclipse will only partially block the light of the sun. This will create a distinctive, crescent-like shape that will leave onlookers amazed. The eclipse can be seen from 4:50 a.m. to 8:43 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), with the best visibility at sunrise.

Best places to witness the Eclipse

If you can't wait to catch a glimpse of this uncommon sight, make your way to northeastern United States or eastern Canada. Some of the top locations where you can observe this event are New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.

Solar eclipse times in US and notable locations

The following states will see some of the best views of the partial solar eclipse, according to USA:

• New York – 6:35 a.m. to 7:12 a.m.
• Massachusetts – 6:27 a.m. to 7:08 a.m.
• Maine – 6:13 a.m. to 7:17 a.m.
• Pennsylvania – 6:46 a.m. to 7:08 a.m.
• New Jersey – 6:43 a.m. to 7:06 a.m.
• Virginia – 6:50 a.m. to 7:03 a.m.

In addition, it will be visible in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Local weather conditions will, however, determine visibility, with clear skies being necessary for the best view.

Safety First: Viewing tips for the Eclipse

Don't forget to prioritize your eye protection during the eclipse. View the eclipse using specialized solar viewing filters or ISO 12312-2-approved eclipse glasses. Never use common sunglasses, which will not filter out enough of the UV radiation.

Solar eclipse 2025 related FAQs

1. Where and when will the March 29, 2025, solar eclipse be visible? The partial solar eclipse will take place on March 29, 2025, from 4:50 a.m. to 8:43 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). It will be most visible at sunrise over the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Some of the best places to view it include New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia, among others.

2. What is a partial solar eclipse, and how does it differ from a total solar eclipse? A partial solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun but does not cover it completely. This leaves a part of the sun still visible, producing a crescent-like appearance. A total solar eclipse is when the moon covers the sun completely, temporarily turning day into night.

3. How can I observe the solar eclipse safely? There must be correct eye protection if one wants to watch a solar eclipse. There is a call for the use of eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification, solar viewing filters, or viewing through indirect processes such as using pinhole projectors. Eclipse watching with sunglasses is not recommended, as regular sunglasses cannot properly block UV damaging radiation.

4. Why don't solar eclipses occur every month? Solar eclipses are uncommon because the moon's orbit is tilted in relation to Earth's orbit around the sun. As a result, the moon, Earth, and sun do not always line up perfectly. Eclipses only happen when their paths cross at specific points to form a partial or total solar eclipse.

5. Will the eclipse produce any discernible effects on the environment?

Yes, at the height of the eclipse, observers can observe slight changes in the environment like a slight cooling, more defined shadows, and changed animal behavior. These are effects because the diminished sunlight impacts the atmosphere and the natural world.