Last Solar Eclipse of 2025 to Grace the Skies on September 21

Skywatchers are in for a celestial treat as the final solar eclipse of the year is set to occur on Sunday, September 21, 2025. This will be a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun, creating a spectacular sight in the sky for those in the right locations.

Eclipse Timing

The eclipse will begin at 1:29 PM EDT (10:59 PM IST) and continue until 5:53 PM EDT (3:23 AM IST on September 22). The maximum eclipse, when the Moon covers the greatest part of the Sun, will occur at 3:41 PM EDT (1:11 AM IST).

Where Will It Be Visible?

This partial eclipse will be visible from parts of Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, and over regions of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. In Antarctica, the eclipse will be visible from 4:49 AM to 6:53 PM (local time), in Australia from 6:13 AM to 7:36 AM, and in New Zealand from 5:41 AM to 8:36 AM.

Unfortunately, India will miss out on this event, as it occurs well after sunset there. However, astronomy enthusiasts in India and other non-visible regions can still enjoy the eclipse through various online live streams provided by space agencies and observatories.

What Is a Partial Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow and blocking some or all of the Sun’s light. In a partial eclipse, the alignment is such that the Moon only obscures part of the Sun, creating a crescent-like effect in the sky.

Safety First: How to Watch

If you're in a location where the eclipse is visible, never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Use certified solar eclipse glasses, which have a special solar filter to safely view the event. Regular sunglasses are not safe for this purpose.

What’s Next?

This eclipse marks the last solar eclipse of 2025. The next one will occur on February 17, 2026, and will be an annular eclipse—where the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a bright “ring of fire” around the edges.