Skywatchers across the northeastern United States, eastern Canada and parts of Europe are in for a rare astronomical treat this spring. On the morning of Saturday 29 March 2025, a partial solar eclipse will grace the skies – and for some lucky observers, it will coincide with a dramatic 'double sunrise'.
Here’s everything you need to know about the partial solar eclipse – from where to watch to what to expect and how to observe it safely.
When is the partial solar eclipse 2025?
The first – and only – solar eclipse of 2025 will take place on 29 March, beginning at 8:50am GMT (4:50am EDT) and concluding at 12:43pm GMT (8:43am EDT). The maximum eclipse will occur at 10:47am GMT (6:47am EDT).
In the United States, the eclipse will begin around 6:13am EDT and end at 7:17am EDT, though exact times will vary by location. Maine will offer the most dramatic views, experiencing the longest duration of the eclipse and the deepest coverage — with up to 85 per cent of the Sun obscured in some areas.
In the United Kingdom, the eclipse will begin in London at 9:56am GMT, reaching its peak at 11:03am, and ending by 12:00pm GMT. Timings may differ slightly depending on your location. Scotland will see the greatest obscuration in the UK, with more than 40 per cent of the Sun covered in cities such as Glasgow.
Where will the partial solar eclipse be visible?
This partial eclipse will be visible across a broad swathe of the Northern Hemisphere, including northeastern parts of the US, eastern Canada, much of Europe and northwestern Africa.
A total of 14 US states, along with Washington DC, will witness the partial solar eclipse in some form. These include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
The point of greatest eclipse will occur in Nunavik, Quebec, where the Moon will hide 94 per cent of the Sun at the eclipse's peak.
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, but doesn’t align perfectly enough to block the Sun entirely. Instead, it covers only a portion of the solar disk, appearing as though the Moon is taking a bite out of the Sun – much like an apple.
This results in a deep but incomplete eclipse, with the Sun taking on a crescent shape. In contrast to a total solar eclipse – where the sky darkens completely – daylight remains during a partial eclipse, though it can take on an eerie, dimmed quality.
What is a double sunrise?
The 'double sunrise' is a rare and hauntingly beautiful visual effect that can occur when a solar eclipse is already in progress at the moment the Sun rises.
As seen from parts of eastern Canada and the northeastern US, the Sun will appear as a crescent on the horizon as it rises during the partial eclipse. The tips of the crescent – often called 'devil’s horns' – may appear to rise separately, giving the illusion of two distinct sunrises.
Maine and parts of Quebec, Canada, offer the best chances to witness this spectacle.
After the double sunrise, the Sun will continue to rise as a slender arc in the sky – early risers are in for a real treat with this one.
How to see the partial solar eclipse: tips for safe viewing
Unlike total eclipses, partial solar eclipses are never safe to view with the naked eye — even when the Sun is mostly covered. The small sliver of visible Sun can still cause permanent eye damage.
If you can, get yourself a pair of eclipse glasses, certified to ISO 12312-2 international safety standards.
If using binoculars, cameras or telescopes, ensure they’re fitted with solar filters on the front end (never at the eyepiece).
If you’re struggling to find a pair of glasses or solar filters, non-direct observation is still possible. If you poke a 1–2mm hole in a piece of card, you should be able to project the Sun’s light onto a flat surface. This simple setup creates a small but sharp image of the eclipsed Sun.
Finally, there’s one factor beyond your control: the weather. Clear skies offer the best chance to witness the eclipse in all its glory — but even under cloud cover, you may still notice the eerie dimming as the Moon moves across the Sun.
How to watch the solar eclipse 2025 online
If you're unable to get to a spot where the partial solar eclipse is visible on Saturday, fear not — the internet is here to help. The Royal Observatory Greenwich, which is based in the UK, will be live-streaming the event from 10:00am GMT.
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