On March 29, the world will witness the first solar eclipse of the year. The details of the solar eclipse has been announced by NASA on its official website.
“On March 29, 2025, the Moon will pass in front of and partially block the Sun, casting a shadow on parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The central part of the Moon’s shadow, where the Sun would appear completely blocked, misses Earth, so no one will be able to see a total solar eclipse this time. Everyone watching the eclipse must use proper eye protection or an indirect viewing method to protect their eyes,” NASA has said.
Solar eclipse 2025: Where to watch
Viewers will see a partial solar eclipse in sections of North America, Europe, Africa, northern Asia, small parts of South America, throughout Greenland and Iceland, as well as much of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. In much of the Americas, including the northeastern United States, the partial solar eclipse will already be in progress during sunrise. In western Europe and northwestern Africa, the eclipse will begin in the mid- to late morning. In eastern Europe and northern Asia, most or all of the eclipse will occur in the afternoon or early evening.
(Data from NASA)
Solar eclipse 2025: Is it visible to India?
No, as per the information available on the NASA website, the solar eclipse is not visible to India.
“Because the Sun is never completely covered, observers must use proper eye protection at all times while watching this eclipse,” NASA has warned.
How to watch solar eclipse safely?
Watching a solar eclipse is an exciting experience, but looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage. To enjoy the eclipse safely, you must take proper precautions.
The safest way to view a solar eclipse is by using eclipse glasses or solar filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses, even dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun. Another safe method is using a pinhole projector, which lets you watch the eclipse indirectly by projecting the Sun’s image onto a surface.
If you have a telescope or binoculars, never look at the Sun through them without a proper solar filter attached to the front. The intense sunlight can cause instant and permanent eye damage. Instead, use solar projection methods or specialized solar telescopes.
During a total solar eclipse, it is safe to look directly at the Sun only during the brief totality phase when the Sun is completely covered by the Moon. However, as soon as sunlight reappears, you must wear eclipse glasses again.
By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy the breathtaking beauty of a solar eclipse without harming your eyes. Stay safe and enjoy the view!
