Following a total lunar eclipse with a striking “blood moon,” stargazers in parts of the United States will have the opportunity to spot a partial solar eclipse this weekend.

When?

A map shows where the March 29, 2025, eclipse can be seen. NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
A map shows where the March 29, 2025, eclipse can be seen; Photo: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio

This phenomenon occurs when the moon passes in front and partially blocks the sun from Earth, resulting in a shadow over parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The solar sighting, visible from several states in the northeast U.S., will begin early Saturday morning, March 29th, at approximately 4:50 AM EDT and end right before 8:43 AM EDT.

Unlike last year’s solar eclipse, which saw the Earth, sun, and moon perfectly align for a few minutes, this event is only a partial eclipse. According to NASA, this means that the moon will partially cover the sun, giving it a crescent shape.

Where?

A partial solar eclipse is seen as the Sun rises behind the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse on June 10, 2021, at Lewes Beach in Delaware. NASA:Aubrey Gemignani
A partial solar eclipse is seen as the Sun rises behind the Delaware Breakwater Lighthouse on June 10, 2021, at Lewes Beach in Delaware; Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Though the scope of this eclipse isn’t as broad as last year’s, NASA provided a list of select major cities that will see the partial solar eclipse, along with approximate viewing times:

  • Baltimore, Maryland: 6:55 a.m. to 7:02 a.m. EDT
  • Boston, Massachusetts: 6:31 a.m. to 7:07 a.m. EDT
  • Buffalo, New York: 7:02 a.m. to 7:09 a.m. EDT
  • New York City: 6:44 a.m. to 7:04 a.m. EDT
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 6:49 a.m. to 7:03 a.m. EDT
  • Portland, Maine: 6:27 a.m. 7:10 a.m. EDT
  • Washington D.C.: 6:56 a.m. to 7:01 a.m .EDT

Skygazers will also see the partial solar eclipse in sections of Europe, Africa, northern Asia, small parts of South America, Greenland, Iceland, and much of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

How?

The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, on April 8, 2024. NASA:Ryan Hill
The Moon is seen passing in front of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse from NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, on April 8, 2024; Photo: NASA/Ryan Hill

Similar to the total solar eclipse, spectators should wear safety glasses or otherwise protect their eyes from the sun. Unlike last year’s eclipse, however, there won’t be a time when the partial solar eclipse is safe for skygazers to view with the naked eye. The American Astronomical Society maintains a curated list of approved vendors of solar eclipse glasses, which are the most common form of protection used for viewing solar eclipses.

Additionally, for the best possible viewing, be sure to select an optimal location with clear skies and minimal light pollution.