Get ready for the final solar eclipse of 2025 on September 21. This partial eclipse will showcase the Moon partially covering the Sun. Eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Antarctica will have the best views. Sadly, India will miss this celestial event. But Indian skywatchers can look forward to August 2, 2027.
The Moon's movement across the Sun has fascinated humans for centuries, transforming daylight into a surreal twilight. Such celestial alignments highlight the precise interplay between the Earth, Moon, and Sun, reflecting the intricate mechanics of our universe. In September 2025, stargazers will have the chance to observe the year's final solar eclipse.
The last solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on September 21. It will be a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun rather than blocking it entirely. In some areas, up to 85% of the Sun's surface will be obscured.
The eclipse will begin at 10:59 PM IST on September 21, reach its peak at 1:11 AM IST on September 22, and conclude at 3:23 AM IST. Unfortunately, the timing falls after sunset in India, making the event invisible to observers across the country.
The September 2025 eclipse will mainly be visible in the Southern Hemisphere, including eastern Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, and parts of the Pacific islands. The most dramatic views will be over Antarctica, where the Moon will cover the majority of the Sun. Many Pacific islands will also experience partial coverage, offering breathtaking views of the phenomenon.
Regions across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, including India, will miss the eclipse entirely.
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. Depending on the alignment, it can be total, annular, hybrid, or partial. In this case, the Moon's shadow will not completely cover the Sun, placing observers in the penumbra, or the lighter part of the shadow. This creates the effect of the Sun appearing as if a "bite" has been taken out of it.
Indian skywatchers will need to wait a while. The next solar eclipse visible from India will occur on August 2, 2027, when much of the country will witness a partial solar eclipse in the late afternoon and early evening. While not a total eclipse, it will still be a rare opportunity to observe the Sun's partial obscuration.
[With TOI inputs]