Skywatchers are preparing for the final celestial spectacle of 2025, as the last solar eclipse of the year will take place on Sunday night. Following the dramatic Total Lunar Eclipse, often referred to as the Blood Moon, this event adds another highlight to an already remarkable year for astronomy enthusiasts.
The upcoming eclipse, scheduled for September 21, will be a partial solar eclipse. Unlike a total eclipse where the Sun is completely obscured, this event will see only a portion of the Sun covered by the Moon’s shadow. At its peak, about 85 percent of the Sun will be hidden in certain regions, creating an extraordinary view for those within the visibility zone.
Unfortunately for Indian observers, the eclipse will not be visible from the subcontinent. The regions most likely to experience the spectacle include parts of Australia, Antarctica, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. For those in these locations, the event promises to be a memorable sight, albeit partial in its coverage.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. This alignment casts a shadow on the Earth, either partially or completely blocking sunlight. In the case of Sunday’s event, the alignment will result in a partial eclipse. Observers in favourable zones will notice the Sun taking on a crescent shape, dimmed by the Moon’s presence.
The eclipse will begin at 10.59 pm IST on Sunday, reach its peak at 1.11 am IST on Monday, and conclude by 3.23 am IST. These timings, although not visible in India, provide an opportunity for global enthusiasts to follow the phenomenon through live streams and scientific platforms that often share real-time coverage of such astronomical events.
The year 2025 has been significant in terms of celestial alignments. It witnessed a total of four eclipses, two partial solar eclipses and two total lunar eclipses. Sunday’s eclipse marks the final one in this cycle, neatly bookending a year of rare astronomical events.
Adding further interest is the fact that the eclipse will take place just a day before the autumnal equinox, which falls on September 22. This equinox marks the official beginning of fall in the northern hemisphere, a moment when the Sun is positioned directly above the equator. At this time, Earth is neither tilted toward nor away from the Sun, resulting in nearly equal durations of day and night across the globe.
Astronomers often note that such seasonal markers add context to celestial events, reminding observers of the intricate balance between Earth’s position and the Sun. The September 21 eclipse, occurring on the eve of the equinox, underscores the interconnectedness of cosmic cycles.
Looking ahead, the next solar eclipses are slated for February 17 and August 12, 2026. However, like Sunday’s event, these too will not be visible from India. Indian observers will need to wait until August 2027 for the next visible solar eclipse, which is expected to generate significant anticipation.
For the global scientific community, each eclipse offers valuable opportunities to study solar activity, atmospheric effects, and celestial mechanics. For the general public, it represents a chance to marvel at natural phenomena that underscore Earth’s place in the wider universe.
Though this eclipse will not be seen in India, the excitement it generates is a reminder of the growing interest in astronomy among people of all ages. As 2025 closes its chapter of eclipses, the final solar event of the year becomes both a scientific occasion and a moment of wonder for skygazers across the world.
