On September 21, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will grace the skies, offering a captivating spectacle for skywatchers in select regions. While this event won’t be visible from the United States, it will be observable from parts of the Southern Hemisphere, including New Zealand, eastern Australia, and Antarctica.
Where to Watch
The eclipse will be visible across much of Oceania and Antarctica. In New Zealand, observers on Stewart Island can expect up to 80% coverage of the Sun at sunrise on September 22 local time. In Antarctica’s Ross Sea region, the coverage could reach up to 86% .
Key Times (UTC)
Start of Partial Eclipse: 17:29
Maximum Eclipse: 19:43
End of Partial Eclipse: 21:53
At maximum eclipse, approximately 85% of the Sun will be obscured .
Viewing Tips
Use Proper Eye Protection: Never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer.
Safety First: Avoid using homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, as they do not provide adequate protection.
Optimal Viewing Locations: Choose spots with minimal light pollution and a clear view of the horizon.
Why It Matters
Eclipses are not just beautiful phenomena; they offer scientists valuable opportunities to study the Sun’s corona and other solar activities. For enthusiasts and astronomers alike, the September 21 eclipse is a reminder of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our universe.
Looking Ahead
While the September 21 eclipse won’t be visible from the United States, there are upcoming eclipses to look forward to:
August 12, 2026: A total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. A partial eclipse will be observable across Europe, Africa, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean .
August 2, 2027: A total solar eclipse, dubbed the “eclipse of the century,” will occur. This event will be the longest total solar eclipse visible from land in over 100 years, with the moon completely obscuring the sun for up to six minutes and 23 seconds .
For more information and to plan your viewing experience, visit Time and Date’s Eclipse Map.