Solar eclipse on March 29, 2025: Everything you need to know to protect your eyes

On March 29, 2025, a stunning partial solar eclipse will be visible across large regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Europe, and Northern Africa. This celestial event is not to be missed—but only if watched with proper eye protection.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, casting a shadow and obscuring part or all of the Sun’s light. During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun’s disk, producing a visible "bite" in the Sun’s shape from Earth.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

The March 29, 2025 partial solar eclipse will be visible in:

• North America: Northeastern United States, Eastern Canada
• Europe: UK, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Scandinavia
• Northern Africa: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
• Atlantic Ocean, parts of Greenland and Northern Asia

When to watch the eclipse?

Depending on your location, the times will vary. Here’s when the maximum eclipse will occur in key cities:

• New York City (USA): 6:46 AM EDT (33% of the Sun covered)
• London (UK): 11:03 AM GMT (about 30–35% obscuration)
• Madrid (Spain): 11:12 AM CET (up to 40% coverage)
• Lisbon (Portugal): 10:58 AM WET (around 45% coverage)
• Casablanca (Morocco): 10:45 AM WET
• Halifax (Canada): 7:15 AM AST (over 35% coverage)
• Berlin (Germany): 11:20 AM CET
• Helsinki (Finland): 12:05 PM EET

For precise local times and animation of the eclipse path, check this interactive map.

Can you watch the eclipse with regular sunglasses?

No! Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, do not protect your eyes from the Sun’s intense radiation during an eclipse. They don’t block enough ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) light, which can burn your retina and cause permanent vision damage.

How to watch the eclipse safely

Use ISO-Certified eclipse glasses

You must use special eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. These lenses block 100% of harmful UV and IR rays. Eclipse glasses should have no scratches or holes, and should not be reused if damaged.

Where to buy eclipse glasses?

ISO-certified eclipse glasses are available in:

• Pharmacies and optical stores in the US and UK
• Science museums, planetariums, and astronomy shops
• Online retailers (make sure they list ISO 12312-2 compliance)

Some schools and city councils may distribute free eclipse viewers as the date approaches. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Indirect viewing methods

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can use indirect viewing methods like a pinhole projector or even a colander or slotted spoon to safely view the Sun’s image projected onto a surface.

What NOT to use to watch the eclipse

Never use these dangerous alternatives:

• Sunglasses (even polarized or dark lenses)
• CDs, DVDs, or floppy disks
• Exposed film or X-ray sheets
• Smoked glass or welding masks below grade 14

These materials do not block harmful radiation and can give a false sense of safety.

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Conclusion: Enjoy the March 29 eclipse, but protect your eyes

The March 29, 2025 solar eclipse will be a spectacular moment across New York, London, Madrid, and much of Europe and North America. But never look at the Sun without proper protection. Use ISO-certified eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods to keep your vision safe.

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