Comprehensive Guide to the Partial Solar Eclipse

This morning, skywatchers had the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse, as the moon partially obscured the sun.

Although not as grand or noticeable as the Great North American Eclipse of last year, this recent partial eclipse still provided a breathtaking astronomical show.

During a partial solar eclipse, the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially masking the sun and forming a crescent shape in the sky.

As the first partial solar eclipse of the year, it was visible across parts of the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, and Africa.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely covered, this partial eclipse created a striking crescent-shaped sun.

In the Northeastern United States, where visibility was optimal, the eclipse was already in progress at sunrise. 

It is crucial to never view a partial eclipse without adequate eye protection, as it can lead to severe eye injury. Using solar eclipse glasses is a must for safe viewing, as they block out dangerous UV rays.

Observers in 13 states, from West Virginia to Maine, had the opportunity to see the eclipse beginning around 4:50 a.m. EDT, with the event lasting until 8:43 a.m., according to Time and Date. 

Meanwhile, observers in northern and western Europe, as well as along the northwestern coast of Africa, enjoyed the spectacle during the late morning and early afternoon.

If you missed this year’s celestial event, the next partial solar eclipse is coming up on September 21, 2025 and will be most visible in Australia, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Here are some incredible photos from around the world capturing the spectacle.

This morning, skywatchers had the opportunity to witness a partial solar eclipse, as the moon partially obscured the sun

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, partially covering the sun and creating a crescent-shaped appearance

A woman wearing solar eclipse glasses watches a partial sun eclipse at Ericeira, Portugal on March 29, 2025

Pictured: The partial solar eclipse seen from Nantes, France

The Moon passes in front of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse above an angel statue at the top of the Alexander Column on Dvortsovaya Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia

A woman takes a photo of a partial solar eclipse through x-ray image at Palace Square in Saint Petersburg, Russia 

The moon appears behind clouds during a partial solar eclipse in central Rome

As the first partial solar eclipse of the year, it was visible across parts of the United States, Canada , the Caribbean, Europe, Russia, and Africa

Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the sun is completely covered, this partial eclipse created a striking crescent-shaped sun

Observers in northern and western Europe, as well as along the northwestern coast of Africa, enjoyed the spectacle during the late morning and early afternoon.

If you missed this year’s celestial event, the next partial solar eclipse is coming up on September 21, 2025