Partial Solar Eclipse on September 21, 2025: Excitement builds among astronomy enthusiasts as the last solar eclipse of 2025 is set to occur on the night of September 21. This celestial event is a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon will partially cover the Sun’s disk, creating an impressive “bite” effect in the Sun’s appearance. The eclipse will reach a maximum coverage of up to 85% in some locations.
Why India Will Miss This Spectacle
Unfortunately, the partial solar eclipse will not be visible across India since it happens after sunset, starting at 10:59 PM IST on September 21 and ending at 3:23 AM IST on September 22. By the time the eclipse peaks at 1:11 AM IST, the Sun will already have set over India, rendering the event invisible to observers nationwide.
Where to Watch the Eclipse
The best views of this eclipse will be accessible to skywatchers in the Southern Hemisphere, including parts of eastern Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean. Antarctica will offer particularly dramatic views, with a significant portion of the Sun obscured by the Moon’s shadow. Island communities scattered across the Pacific will also witness notable partial coverage.
Understanding Partial Solar Eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun. In a partial eclipse, the alignment causes only a part of the Sun to be covered, as opposed to a total eclipse where the Sun is completely obscured. Observers within the penumbra, or lighter shadow, see the Sun as if a piece has been “taken out,” producing the partial eclipse effect.
Mark Your Calendars for the Next Visible Eclipse in India
For those in India eagerly waiting to glimpse a solar eclipse, the next opportunity will be on August 2, 2027. That event promises a partial eclipse visible across most of the country during the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Safety First: How to Watch a Solar Eclipse
Watching a solar eclipse is mesmerizing, but it must be done safely. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, especially during partial eclipses. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. Specialized solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2) are essential to prevent serious and permanent eye damage.
If certified eclipse glasses are unavailable, indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors offer safe alternatives. It’s crucial to avoid looking at the Sun through cameras, telescopes, binoculars, or other optical devices without proper solar filters, as these can concentrate solar rays and cause severe injury.
Only during the brief period of totality in a total solar eclipse, when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon, is it safe to view without filters. Since a partial eclipse never fully covers the Sun, eye protection remains mandatory throughout.
The celestial dance of the Moon and Sun continues to captivate people worldwide, reminding us of the wonders of our universe. Although this partial eclipse won’t be visible in India, it remains a significant event for those fortunate enough to watch from the Southern Hemisphere. Meanwhile, sky enthusiasts can look forward to the next Indian visible eclipse in 2027.
