First Solar Eclipse of 2025 on March 29: Timings, Visibility, and More:

The first solar eclipse of 2025 is set to occur on March 29, marking an exciting celestial event for skywatchers around the world. This will be a partial solar eclipse, meaning only a portion of the Sun will be covered by the Moon. However, the eclipse will not be visible in India.

Following the year’s first lunar eclipse on March 14, which coincided with Holi but was also not visible from India, many people are eager to know more about this upcoming solar event.

Solar Eclipse Timing & Significance

Eclipse Start Time: 2:21 PM (IST)
Eclipse End Time: 6:14 PM (IST)
Hindu Calendar Date: Falls on Chaitra Amavasya, a spiritually significant day.

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, either partially or completely blocking the Sun’s light for a short duration. This upcoming event will be partial, meaning the Sun will appear as if a “bite” has been taken out of it.

Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?

No, the solar eclipse will not be visible from India.

Since the eclipse will not be seen in India, the Sutak Kaal—a period considered inauspicious in Hindu beliefs—will not be observed. The first lunar eclipse of the year was also not visible in India earlier this month.

Where Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible?

The March 29 solar eclipse will be visible in multiple parts of the world, including:

North & South America: Bermuda, Northern Brazil, Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, Barbados, Suriname
Europe: Finland, Germany, France, Hungary, Ireland, Austria, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Norway, Ukraine, Switzerland, England
Africa & Arctic Regions: Northern Russia, Morocco, Greenland, Sweden

Can You Look Directly at a Solar Eclipse?

Never look directly at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection!

Unlike a lunar eclipse, which can be observed safely with the naked eye, looking directly at a solar eclipse can cause serious retinal damage or even permanent blindness.

Use special solar viewing glasses or eclipse filters to safely watch the event.
Avoid using regular sunglasses, phone cameras, or unfiltered telescopes.

What Is a Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event where the Moon aligns between the Sun and the Earth, temporarily blocking sunlight. There are three types of solar eclipses:

Total Solar Eclipse – The Sun is completely covered by the Moon.
Partial Solar Eclipse – Only a portion of the Sun is obscured.
Annular Solar Eclipse – The Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a glowing “ring of fire.”

Throughout history, solar eclipses have intrigued scientists and spiritual communities alike, often viewed as moments of scientific discovery and cosmic significance.

While India will miss out on this eclipse, astronomers and space enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely!