Overview of the Surya Grahan 2025: Partial Solar Eclipse Details and Viewing Guidelines

On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse will occur, visible in parts of the USA, Canada, and Europe, but not in India. Key safety precautions should be observed when viewing the eclipse, which will cause phenomena such as double sunrise in some areas. The eclipse will last approximately four hours, from 2:20 PM to 6:13 PM IST.

On March 29, 2025, a partial solar eclipse, referred to as ‘Surya Grahan’ in India, will occur as the Moon blocks a portion of the Sun. Although this celestial event will not be visible in India, it will be observable from various regions worldwide, such as the USA, Canada, and Europe. The alignment will not be perfect, leading to a partial eclipse rather than a total one.

This partial solar eclipse represents one of the significant astronomical events of 2025. Observers in different time zones will see the eclipse at various times, with some areas witnessing it near sunrise and others later in the afternoon. The phenomenon will also produce an effect known as double sunrise in select locations, creating an illusion of the Sun rising twice.

In the UK, there will be varying degrees of eclipse visibility, with north-west Scotland experiencing up to 47.9% coverage in Gallan Head, while Dover is anticipated to see the least at approximately 28.1%. Manchester will have about 36.1% eclipse coverage.

Individuals planning to view the eclipse should observe specific safety precautions. Always verify that eclipse glasses are undamaged and new, supervise children using these glasses, and avoid using them with optical devices, as this can lead to eye injuries.

Utilizing safe solar viewing glasses, also called eclipse glasses, is essential for viewing the eclipse safely. Pinhole projectors can serve as an alternative viewing method if eclipse glasses are unavailable. Regular sunglasses should not be used, as they do not provide adequate protection against harmful sunlight.

Google has acknowledged this rare event by providing a special animation for users searching for ‘solar eclipse’ or ‘surya grahan’. This animation graphically illustrates the Moon obscuring the Sun.

Directly viewing the Sun during the eclipse is unsafe, as it can inflict serious eye damage. NASA emphasizes the importance of using certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer.

The timing of the solar eclipse will vary globally. In the northeastern United States, for example, the eclipse will begin around sunrise, while it arrives later in the morning for western Europe and northwestern Africa. Areas in eastern Europe and northern Asia will observe the majority of the eclipse in the afternoon or early evening.

This partial solar eclipse will be predominantly visible across regions such as North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa, and northern Asia. As a reminder, it will not be visible in India.

The celestial event will create unique sightings, such as double sunrise, particularly across various US locations where observers may see a distinct moon silhouette.

In Indian Standard Time (IST), the solar eclipse is scheduled to commence at 2:20 PM, peak at 4:17 PM, and conclude at 6:13 PM, lasting for approximately four hours.

The partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, will be a significant global astronomical event, though it will not be visible in India. Various regions will experience the eclipse differently, with notable phenomena, including double sunrise. Safety measures for viewing must be strictly adhered to, emphasizing the use of proper solar filters. The event highlights the beauty and complexity of celestial events, capturing the interest of viewers worldwide.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com