Partial solar eclipse to cap 2025 skywatching

A partial solar eclipse is expected on September 21, 2025, the last such event of the year. During a partial eclipse, the Moon blocks part of the Sun's disk but does not hide it completely. In this year’s final eclipse, as much as 86% of the Sun could be obscured in the best viewing areas, producing a pronounced bite out of the solar disk. The event will not be visible from most of the Northern Hemisphere; forecasts indicate that roughly 16.6 million people—about 0.2% of the world’s population—across New Zealand, several Pacific islands, parts of Australia and pockets of Antarctica will have a view.

Time windows vary by location, but stargazers should plan for a daytime show in the early-to-mid afternoon. The eclipse is set to begin at about 1:29 p.m. local time in the best-placed areas, with the maximum obscuration occurring around 3:45 p.m.; times will shift by observer location.

Viewers should wear ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses to protect eyes; standard sunglasses are not sufficient. Solar filters should be used on telescopes and binoculars. If direct viewing is not possible, live streams from Space.com and various space agencies will carry the event.

Next solar eclipses: August 2026 will provide a view across North America, Europe and Africa. The next total lunar eclipse will be on March 3, 2026, visible from the Americas, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. In the lead-up to this year's celestial finale, some astrologers warn that the two-week window between September 7 and September 21, spanning a Pisces lunar eclipse and a Virgo solar eclipse, can amplify stress and influence decision-making. 'During the Eclipse Corridor, it's essential to resist the temptation to make significant life changes on impulse,' said Tetiana Tsvil, an astrologer at Nebula. 'Heightened emotions can cloud judgment and lead to choices you’d rethink later.'

Stargazers without clear skies or access to safe eyewear can monitor online streams to enjoy the spectacle from afar.