Skywatchers around the world are eagerly waiting for the first solar eclipse of 2025, set to occur on March 29. This astronomical event will be a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon will cover a portion of the Sun, casting a shadow on the Earth. However, the main question for Indian stargazers is—will this eclipse be visible in India?
In This Article:
Will the March 29 Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?
Unfortunately, the March 29 solar eclipse will not be visible from India. The eclipse will primarily be observed in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including regions of North America, Europe, and parts of the Arctic. Since the eclipse occurs during nighttime in India, skywatchers here will have to rely on live streams and international broadcasts to witness this celestial event.
Timings and Visibility Across the World
According to astronomers, the solar eclipse will begin at approximately 2:00 PM UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and last for a few hours. The event will be most prominent in areas such as:
- North America (parts of the United States and Canada)
- Greenland
- Northern Europe (Scandinavian countries)
- Russia (some regions in the Arctic Circle)
People in these regions will be able to witness the eclipse directly, provided weather conditions remain clear.
Types of Solar Eclipses and Their Effects
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun’s light. There are three main types of solar eclipses:
- Total Solar Eclipse – The Sun is completely obscured by the Moon.
- Partial Solar Eclipse – Only a portion of the Sun is covered, which is the case on March 29.
- Annular Solar Eclipse – The Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving a bright ring (the “ring of fire”) visible around it.
Even though this is a partial eclipse, it is still a significant event for astronomers and eclipse chasers worldwide.
Precautions for Watching a Solar Eclipse
For those in regions where the eclipse is visible, it is crucial to take precautions while viewing the event. Looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage, so observers should use special solar eclipse glasses or filters. Regular sunglasses are not safe for direct viewing.
Additionally, telescopes and cameras should be equipped with solar filters to prevent damage to both eyes and equipment.
Upcoming Solar and Lunar Eclipses in 2025
If you are in India and disappointed about missing this event, don’t worry—there are other solar and lunar eclipses lined up in 2025:
- September 7, 2025 – Partial Lunar Eclipse, visible in India.
- September 21, 2025 – Annular Solar Eclipse, visible in some parts of the world.
These upcoming events will provide skywatchers in India with opportunities to witness rare celestial phenomena.
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Online?
For those unable to see the eclipse in person, several space agencies and observatories will provide live streams of the event. Websites like NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and other astronomical institutions will broadcast the eclipse with expert commentary.
The March 29, 2025, solar eclipse is a major astronomical event but will not be visible in India. However, skywatchers can follow the event online through live broadcasts. With more eclipses coming later in the year, Indian astronomy enthusiasts can still look forward to witnessing these rare cosmic events.
By – Kartik
