Solar Eclipse March 29, 2025: When and where to watch — Best viewing times and locations across the US

Astronomy enthusiasts are in for a treat as a partial solar eclipse is set to grace the skies on March 29, 2025.

Just weeks after a total lunar eclipse, this event will offer a stunning visual experience, particularly for those in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada.

The phenomenon will create the illusion of the moon taking a bite out of the sun, producing a striking crescent-like effect at sunrise.

Understanding the Partial Solar Eclipse

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially obstructs the sun’s light as it moves between the Earth and the sun. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely blocked, this event will leave a portion of the sun visible, resulting in a crescent-like appearance.

Though not as dramatic as a total eclipse, the event will still be a remarkable celestial occurrence.

Where and When to Watch the Solar Eclipse 2025

According to Space.com, the eclipse will take place between 4:50 a.m. and 8:43 a.m. ET. More than 800 million people will be able to witness the event, with the best views in the northeastern states of the U.S.

The following regions will have the most striking perspectives, as mentioned in a report by USA Today:

• 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.

The solar eclipse 2025 will also be visible across Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

However, visibility will vary based on location and atmospheric conditions.

The Science Behind the Event

During a partial solar eclipse, the moon covers only a segment of the sun, allowing some sunlight to pass through. The degree of coverage depends on the observer's location.

As the sun rises, the eclipse will appear more pronounced, creating a crescent-shaped sun that will gradually return to its full brightness.

Safety Precautions: Protecting Your Eyes

Unlike a lunar eclipse, which is safe to observe with the naked eye, a solar eclipse requires special protective measures.

Staring directly at the sun without proper eye protection can cause severe retinal damage, often referred to as “eclipse blindness.”

To safely view the partial solar eclipse, experts recommend using eclipse glasses that meet the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 12312-2.

The American Astronomical Society and NASA have certified specific manufacturers to ensure these glasses offer adequate protection. Standard sunglasses are not sufficient to shield the eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

FAQs

What will happen on March 29, 2025?

On Saturday, March 29, 2025, a deep partial solar eclipse will grace the skies across the Northern Hemisphere. Although it won’t feature totality—where the moon fully covers the sun—it will still offer a striking celestial display visible to millions across Europe, North America, and parts of Africa.

How long does a total solar eclipse last?

Total solar eclipses can last anywhere from 10 seconds to approximately 7.5 minutes. Over a 12,000-year period spanning from 4000 BCE to 8000 CE, the longest total solar eclipse is set to occur on July 16, 2186, with a duration of 7 minutes and 29 seconds.