It’s daybreak, the birds are chirping, and the mist is dissipating—revealing a solar that appears surprisingly like a crescent moon. That’s the scene people in New Zealand will get up to on the morning of September 22, 2025, when a partial photo voltaic eclipse coincides with dawn. Up to 86% of the photo voltaic disk might be obscured relying on the viewing location, creating that distinctive crescent dawn. This occasion is the ultimate photo voltaic eclipse of the 12 months—the subsequent one will happen on Feb. 17, 2026. Below, every part to know concerning the partial photo voltaic eclipse of September 2025.
What is a partial photo voltaic eclipse?
A photo voltaic eclipse occurs when the moon passes straight between Earth and the solar, casting a shadow onto our planet. During a total solar eclipse, the moon utterly covers the solar and darkens the skies within the path of totality. But throughout a partial eclipse, the moon solely blocks half of the photo voltaic floor. As such, the solar will seem as if a chunk has been taken out of it.
While partial photo voltaic eclipses don’t produce the eerie daytime darkness that total eclipses are well-known for, they’ll nonetheless be fairly thrilling to see—notably after they coincide with dawn or sundown, as is the case this month. The key’s to don the suitable eye safety so you may clearly see that crescent form.
When and the place can I see the eclipse?
Unfortunately, this eclipse will solely be seen from just a few populated areas. Maximum protection will happen largely over the Southern Ocean between New Zealand and Antarctica, in addition to half of East Antarctica. Substantial protection might be seen throughout New Zealand, some South Pacific nations, and extra of Antarctica, whereas japanese Australia and Tasmania will catch solely the tiniest bit of the present.
New Zealand is undoubtedly the standout vacation spot for this eclipse (until you occur to be working in Antarctica). Across the nation, viewers will see the solar rise already partially eclipsed, with as a lot as 72% of the disk lined at most on the South Island and as much as 66% on the North Island.
As for timing, the eclipse begins at 17:29 UTC and ends at 21:53 UTC on September 21, with the utmost protection lasting from 19:41 to 19:43 UTC. If you are inside the path of the eclipse—you may test on websites like Time and Date to see what’s seen out of your location—make sure you convert UTC to your native time. For the bulk of locations the place the eclipse might be seen, this interprets to the early morning of September 22.
How can I watch the partial photo voltaic eclipse safely?
Unlike lunar eclipses, which you’ll be able to view with the bare eye, photo voltaic eclipses require protecting eyewear or specialised filters for binoculars and telescopes. Never look straight on the solar with out licensed photo voltaic eclipse glasses—unusual sun shades will not work. If you look straight on the solar with out safety, you may completely injury your imaginative and prescient. Alternatively, you employ oblique viewing strategies to see photo voltaic eclipses, equivalent to a pinhole projector.