Skywatchers around the world are gearing up for the partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, the last solar eclipse of the year. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking its light. Depending on the alignment, eclipses can be total, annular, hybrid, or partial.
During this eclipse, the Moon will only partially cover the Sun, creating the appearance that a “bite” has been taken out of the Sun’s disk. This effect is visible from regions in the Southern Hemisphere, including eastern Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and several Pacific islands. Antarctica is expected to offer the most dramatic view, with vast stretches of the Pacific also experiencing partial coverage.
Solar Eclipse Timings in India
Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in India as it occurs after sunset. Key timings (IST) for reference:
- Start: 10:59 PM, September 21
- Maximum: 1:11 AM, September 22
- End: 3:23 AM, September 22
The next solar eclipse visible from India will occur on August 2, 2027, when a partial eclipse will be seen in the late afternoon and evening across most parts of the country.
Safety Tips for Viewing
To safely observe the eclipse, use solar eclipse glasses or eclipse goggles. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes. Only during a very brief period of totality, when the Moon fully covers the Sun, can you remove the protective glasses.
Countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas—including India—will completely miss this September eclipse.
