As we near the end of the month, individuals in certain parts of the United States are gearing up for another spectacular celestial event following the recent total lunar eclipse that showcased the striking “blood moon.” Rather than a “total” or “lunar” eclipse, the upcoming phenomenon will be a partial solar eclipse. This captivating event will be visible for a brief period in the northeastern United States this week. During a partial solar eclipse, the moon moves between the sun and the Earth, partially blocking the sun’s rays and casting a shadow across the Northern Hemisphere.
While it may not match the awe-inspiring display of the total solar eclipse witnessed by millions of Americans in April 2024, the upcoming partial solar eclipse is still a sight worth seeing. Here’s everything you need to know about this event, including what it entails, its visibility, and tips for viewing it.
Partial Solar Eclipse 2025: 13 States to Witness the Moon Taking a Bite of the Sun on March 29
**When is the partial solar eclipse?**
The partial solar eclipse will commence early Saturday morning in the United States, starting around 4:50 a.m. EDT and concluding just before 8:43 a.m. The exact timing and peak visibility will vary based on the specific location within the U.S.
**What is a partial solar eclipse?**
During a partial solar eclipse, the moon partially obscures the sun, resulting in a crescent shape rather than a complete blockage. This differs from a total solar eclipse where the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly for a brief period, creating a unique spectacle. The upcoming partial solar eclipse will not showcase the sun’s corona as seen during a total eclipse.
**Which states can witness the partial solar eclipse?**
Although this year’s eclipse will not cover as vast an area as the 2024 event, several states in the northeastern U.S. will still have the opportunity to observe the partial solar eclipse. Major cities like Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, New York City, Philadelphia, Portland, and Washington D.C. are among those where the eclipse will be visible. NASA has provided specific viewing times for each city, with the eclipse already in progress during sunrise in these locations.
For a more detailed overview, NASA has released a map illustrating the regions where the partial solar eclipse can be observed.
**How to safely view the partial solar eclipse**
Watching a solar eclipse requires special precautions to protect your eyes. It is recommended to use certified solar viewing glasses or create a pinhole projector to safely observe the eclipse without risking eye damage.
Don’t miss out on this exciting astronomical event and make sure to catch a glimpse of the rare partial solar eclipse lighting up the skies in the northeastern U.S.
Donning their protective sunglasses, people in West Palm Beach, Florida, gazed up at the sky to catch a glimpse of a partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Similar to viewing a total solar eclipse, spectators should ensure they wear safety glasses or take precautions to shield their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. However, unlike a total solar eclipse, there is no moment during a partial eclipse when it is safe to look at the phenomenon with the naked eye. Last April, viewers within the eclipse’s path could briefly remove their eyewear during totality when the sun was obscured. As the sun will not be completely covered this time, onlookers are advised to wear proper eye protection continuously. The American Astronomical Society maintains a list of approved vendors for solar eclipse glasses, the most common eye protection for solar eclipse viewing. These glasses are significantly darker than regular sunglasses to meet international safety standards. For breaking and trending news, follow Eric Lagatta at elagatta@gannett.com. This article was first published on USA TODAY and covers details about the upcoming partial solar eclipse on March 29 and which states will be able to see it.
