Astronomy lovers, get ready. On March 29, 2025, the sky is putting on a show — a partial solar eclipse that promises a breathtaking view for those lucky enough to be in the right spot.
A Celestial Bite Out of the Sun
For those in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, the moon will drift in front of the sun, creating the illusion of a cosmic nibble. It won’t be a total blackout, but the sun will appear partially covered, leaving a glowing crescent in the sky.
This particular eclipse isn’t as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, where day briefly turns to night. But partial eclipses carry their own charm — an eerie dimming of daylight and the surreal sight of the sun looking like a cookie with a bite taken out of it.
If you’ve never seen one before, trust me — it’s worth stepping outside.
Best Places to Watch
Where you are matters. The further northeast you go, the bigger the “bite” you’ll see.
- New England: States like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont will get some of the best views.
- Eastern Canada: Quebec and parts of the Maritimes are also in for a solid showing.
- Mid-Atlantic States: New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey will see a good chunk of the sun obscured, though not as much as their northern neighbors.
For those in the western U.S., the eclipse will still be visible — but the moon will barely graze the sun’s edge, making it less pronounced.
Timing Is Everything
Eclipses don’t wait around. Here’s when to set your alarms:
| Location | Eclipse Start | Maximum Eclipse | Eclipse End |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 10:12 AM EDT | 11:25 AM EDT | 12:41 PM EDT |
| Boston, MA | 10:04 AM EDT | 11:19 AM EDT | 12:35 PM EDT |
| Montreal, QC | 10:05 AM EDT | 11:21 AM EDT | 12:38 PM EDT |
| Toronto, ON | 10:07 AM EDT | 11:23 AM EDT | 12:40 PM EDT |
Times can shift slightly depending on your exact location, but this table gives a rough guide. Maximum eclipse is when the sun will appear most obscured — the prime moment to peek.
How to Watch Safely
Staring at the sun is never a good idea — and a partial eclipse doesn’t make it any safer. To enjoy the eclipse without damaging your eyes:
- Use solar viewing glasses (not regular sunglasses!).
- Pinhole projectors offer a DIY option — project the sun’s image onto a surface.
- Telescopes and binoculars with solar filters provide an up-close view.
If you don’t have the right gear, many observatories and science centers will likely host public viewing events. It’s worth checking locally.
Why This Eclipse Stands Out
While partial solar eclipses happen more frequently than total ones, they’re still rare enough to be special. This eclipse is part of Saros cycle 149, a series of eclipses that repeat every 18 years, 11 days. The last one in this cycle happened on March 18, 2007 — and the next won’t come around until April 8, 2043.
So, if you miss this one, you’re waiting a long time for a second chance.
