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Solar eclipse

Mark your calendars, sky enthusiasts! The cosmos is putting on a show this Saturday, March 29, 2025, with a partial solar eclipse gracing the skies across various parts of the globe. While those of us in India won't have a direct view of this particular event, millions in North America, Europe, Africa, and northern Asia are in for a treat as the Moon takes a 'bite' out of the Sun.

What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, but the three celestial bodies are not perfectly aligned. As a result, the Moon only partially obscures the Sun, making it appear as if a portion has been cut out. This creates a mesmerizing crescent-shaped Sun, a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Where and When to Catch the Eclipse:

This partial solar eclipse will be most visible in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, where a significant portion of the Sun will be covered. Skywatchers in regions like New Brunswick, northern Quebec, and Maine might even witness the unique phenomenon of solar "horns" as a crescent Sun rises dramatically over the horizon.

Across the Atlantic, a large part of Europe will also experience the partial eclipse, particularly in the northern and central regions. Parts of northwestern Africa and northern Asia will also be within the visibility path.

According to NASA, the eclipse will begin globally around 4:50 AM EDT (0850 GMT), reaching its maximum coverage at 6:47 AM EDT (1047 GMT). The exact timing will vary depending on your specific location. For those in the Eastern Time Zone of North America, the eclipse will be in progress at sunrise. For instance:

• Portland, Maine: Sunrise at 6:27 AM EDT, maximum eclipse (64% coverage) at 6:30 AM EDT, ends at 7:10 AM EDT.
• Boston, Massachusetts: Sunrise at 6:31 AM EDT, maximum eclipse (43% coverage) at 6:38 AM EDT, ends at 7:07 AM EDT.
• New York City, New York: Sunrise at 6:44 AM EDT, maximum eclipse (22% coverage) at 6:46 AM EDT, ends at 7:04 AM EDT.

In Europe, the eclipse will occur later in the morning to midday. For example:

• London, UK: Begins at 10:07 AM BST, maximum at 11:03 AM BST (31% coverage), ends at 12:00 PM BST.
• Paris, France: Begins at 11:08 AM CEST, maximum at 12:01 PM CEST (24% coverage), ends at 12:56 PM CEST.

While the eclipse won't be visible in India, for those interested, the timings according to Indian Standard Time (IST) would be:

• Begins: 2:20 PM IST
• Maximum: 4:17 PM IST
• Ends: 6:13 PM IST

Safety First: How to Observe the Solar Eclipse

It is crucially important to remember that you should never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during a partial solar eclipse. Doing so can cause serious and permanent eye damage, including blindness.

Here's how to safely view the celestial event:

• Use Certified Solar Viewing Glasses: These specialized glasses, also known as "eclipse glasses," are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses and meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. Ensure your glasses are in good condition (not scratched or damaged) before use.
• Use a Safe Handheld Solar Viewer: Similar to eclipse glasses, these viewers have special filters that protect your eyes. Look for the ISO 12312-2 certification.
• Indirect Viewing Methods: If you don't have eclipse glasses or a solar viewer, you can use indirect methods like a pinhole projector. This involves creating a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting an image of the Sun onto another surface. You can then safely view the projected image. Never look at the Sun through the pinhole.
• Do NOT Use Regular Sunglasses: Sunglasses, no matter how dark, do not provide sufficient protection for viewing the Sun.
• Avoid Using Optical Devices Without Filters: Never look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, or binoculars without a proper solar filter specifically designed for these devices. The concentrated sunlight can severely damage your eyes, even if you are wearing eclipse glasses. Solar filters must be attached to the front of the optical device.

Tune In Online

If you are not in a location where the eclipse is visible, or if you prefer to watch it safely from indoors, many organizations like NASA and Timeanddate.com will be live-streaming the event. This is a fantastic way to experience the eclipse without any risk to your eyes.

A Reminder of the Cosmos' Wonders:

The partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, serves as a beautiful reminder of the dynamic and awe-inspiring nature of our solar system. While not a total eclipse, the sight of the Moon partially obscuring our life-giving star is a remarkable event. Remember to prioritize safety if you are planning to witness it directly and enjoy this celestial spectacle!