Partial solar eclipse happening now! How to Watch

A breathtaking celestial event unfolded this morning, March 29, 2025 — a partial solar eclipse. While not everyone had a clear view due to location or weather, the good news is you can still catch up. Whether you’re a casual skywatcher or a dedicated eclipse chaser, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this event — safely and from anywhere in the world.

What Is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but doesn’t fully cover the Sun’s disk. Instead, it looks like a “bite” has been taken out of the sun. While not as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, it’s still a rare and stunning sight that fascinates observers worldwide.

When Did the Eclipse Happen?

• Global Start Time: 4:50 a.m. EDT (0850 GMT)

• Maximum Eclipse: 6:47 a.m. EDT (1047 GMT)

• End Time: Around 8:10 a.m. EDT (1210 GMT)

Exact viewing times varied depending on your location, with the eclipse visible across parts of North America, Europe, northwest Africa, and Russia.

Where Was the Partial Eclipse Visible?

Not all regions experienced this eclipse. Here’s where visibility was possible:

• North America: Northern and eastern parts saw partial coverage.

• Europe: Most countries experienced some eclipse activity.

• Northwest Africa: Visibility included areas like Morocco and Algeria.

• Russia: Especially in northwestern regions.

Unfortunately, locations like Bangladesh, India, and Southeast Asia were not within the viewing path this time.

How to Watch the Eclipse (Safely)

If you’re in a region where the eclipse was visible — or just want to experience it virtually — here’s how to do it right:

1. Use Certified Eclipse Glasses

Looking directly at the sun can cause serious eye damage. Always use ISO 12312-2 compliant solar viewing glasses.

2. Try Indirect Viewing

No eclipse glasses? No problem. Use a pinhole projector — a fun DIY method that lets you safely project the sun’s image onto a surface.

3. Partial solar eclipse happening now!

A partial solar eclipse is happening now! Don’t miss this chance to see the moon partially cover the sun.

The eclipse began at 4:50 a.m. EDT (0850 GMT), and the moon will reach maximum coverage of the sun at 6:47 a.m. EDT (1047 GMT). If you’re watching the eclipse in person, note that exact visibility and timing depend on your location.

If you’re unable to watch the partial solar eclipse in person, you can still watch the celestial spectacle live here on Space.com courtesy of Timeanddate. Keep up to date with the latest solar eclipse progress here on our solar eclipse live blog.

4. Join a Public Viewing

Astronomy clubs often host eclipse events with telescopes and expert guides. Check your local science centers next time an eclipse is due.

When Is the Next Solar Eclipse?

Did you miss this one? Don’t worry — more eclipses are coming soon:

• Total Solar Eclipse – August 12, 2026: Visible across Europe, including parts of Spain and Iceland.

• Annular Eclipse – February 17, 2026: Ring-of-fire eclipse visible in parts of South America and the Atlantic.

For those in Bangladesh, mark your calendar for August 12, 2026, which may bring partial visibility depending on local conditions.

Stay Curious, Stay Safe

Whether you’re watching from your backyard or streaming online, solar eclipses offer a humbling view of our universe in action. Just remember: safety first when viewing any eclipse. And if you missed this one, there’s always another coming.