The Anticipated Partial Solar Eclipse: What You Need to Know
As excitement builds following a recent lunar eclipse, astronomy enthusiasts are now turning their attention to another significant celestial event. On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will provide a unique visual spectacle that promises to capture viewers’ attention.
What to Expect: The Double Sunrise Effect
During this partial eclipse, coined the “double sunrise” by outlets like Live Science and Forbes, observers will witness a crescent-shaped sun rising on the horizon. This unusual phenomenon will create the illusion of two distinct “horns” appearing as the sun ascends in the sky.
Visibility Across Regions
If weather conditions are favorable, those located in the northeastern United States will enjoy a front-row view, including viewers in Washington D.C. and states like Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
In contrast to the total solar eclipse experienced last year, this partial eclipse will primarily be visible across the northeastern U.S., eastern Canada, western Africa, and Europe.
Viewing Schedule for Major Cities
NASA has outlined the timing and coverage percentages of the partial eclipse for several key cities:
| City | Partial Begins | Maximum Coverage | Partial Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore, MD | 6:55 a.m.* | 3% | 7:02 a.m. |
| Boston, MA | 6:31 a.m.* | 43% | 7:07 a.m. |
| Buffalo, NY | 7:02 a.m.* | 2% | 7:09 a.m. |
| New York, NY | 6:44 a.m.* | 22% | 7:04 a.m. |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6:49 a.m.* | 12% | 7:03 a.m. |
| Portland, ME | 6:27 a.m.* | 64% | 7:10 a.m. |
| Washington, D.C. | 6:56 a.m.* | 1% | 7:01 a.m. |
Safe Viewing Practices
For those situated in the northeastern U.S. wishing to experience this astronomical event, early preparation is essential to ensure safe viewing. Since the sun will not be completely obscured by the moon during a partial eclipse, standard sunglasses will not provide adequate protection.
Instead, individuals are advised to use certified eclipse glasses or a solar viewer that meets the ISO 12312-2 international safety standards. If these items are unavailable, you can create a pinhole projector using a simple index card with a small hole punched through; this method allows for safe indirect viewing of the eclipse.
Furthermore, NASA cautions against looking at the solar event through any optical devices without a proper solar filter. Doing so poses a risk of serious eye injury and should be avoided at all costs.
By following these guidelines, viewers can safely and enjoyably observe the fascinating spectacle of the March 29, 2025 partial solar eclipse.
