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| Discover Eclipses in 2025: Dates, Times & Visibility – Partial Solar, Total Lunar Highlights |
Eclipses are among nature's most spectacular celestial events, attracting skywatchers around the world. In 2025, there will be no solar eclipse today, August 3, 2025, and there is no eclipse scheduled for August 2, 2025 either. However, there will be four eclipses this year—two solar and two lunar—that provide exciting observation opportunities. Below, we provide detailed and up-to-date information about these events, debunk viral rumors, and clarify viewing details for enthusiasts.
Is there a solar eclipse today, August 3, 2025
As of today, August 3, 2025, there are no solar eclipses happening anywhere in the world. Social media platforms like TikTok and X have been abuzz with misinformation lately, claiming that the solar eclipse on August 2, 2025 will plunge the world into “six minutes of darkness.” NASA and other reputable astronomical sources confirm that there is no solar or lunar eclipse scheduled for August 2 or 3, 2025. This confusion likely stems from the excitement surrounding the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which is being called the “eclipse of the century” due to its duration of over six minutes.
If you want to know about the next eclipse, read on for the 2025 eclipse calendar for detailed information and preparations for a safe viewing.
Solar Eclipses in 2025: Dates and Visibility
There will be two solar eclipses in 2025, both partial, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun, creating a crescent-like view. Here's what you need to know:
1. Partial Solar Eclipse - March 29, 2025
- Type : Partial Solar Eclipse
- Visibility : Northwest Africa, much of Europe, northwest Russia, and parts of northeastern North America (e.g., eastern Canada, including Newfoundland and Labrador).
- Details : This eclipse will occur near sunrise, making it difficult to see in some areas. For example, in Boston, the Sun will be only 6 degrees above the horizon at 7:07 a.m. Eastern Standard Time when the eclipse ends. In the UK, up to 47% of the Sun will be covered, while far southeastern Atlantic Canada may see up to 84% of the Sun covered at sunrise.
- Safety : Always use certified solar eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods like a pinhole projector to protect your eyes. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for viewing a solar eclipse.
2. Partial Solar Eclipse – September 21, 2025
- Type : Partial Solar Eclipse
- Visibility : Australia, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and parts of New Zealand.
- Details : This eclipse will be most visible in the Southern Hemisphere. From Auckland, New Zealand, the Sun will appear to have 60% of its disk covered at sunrise on September 22, while Stewart Island will see up to 73% obscuration. The eclipse will peak at 19:41:55 UTC, with a maximum magnitude of 0.8550. Except for a brief penumbral phase in Hawaii and western Alaska, it will not be visible in North America, although terrain may obstruct the view.
- Safety : Use proper solar viewing equipment, such as eclipse glasses or a solar filter for binoculars, to prevent eye damage.
Note : Despite viral claims, there will be no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025. The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and parts of Portugal, while a partial solar eclipse will be visible in North America, Europe and Africa. The much-anticipated total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, will be visible in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Lunar Eclipse in 2025: Dates and Visibility
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow on the moon that turns it black or red. In 2025, there will be two total lunar eclipses, both of which will offer amazing views, especially the "blood moon" effect caused by the scattering of sunlight by Earth's atmosphere.
1. Total Lunar Eclipse - March 13-14, 2025
- Type: Total Lunar Eclipse
- Visibility: North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Best seen in the Americas, where the entire event is visible
- Timings :
- Penumbral eclipse starts: 22:57:09 UTC (March 13)
- Partial eclipse starts: 23:58:56 UTC (March 13)
- Total eclipse starts: 01:03:38 UTC (March 14)
- Greatest eclipse: 01:58:02 UTC (March 14)
- Total eclipse ends: 02:52:28 UTC (March 14)
- Partial eclipse ends: 03:57:10 UTC (March 14)
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 04:59:03 UTC (March 14)
- Details : The moon will pass through the northern part of Earth's shadow, and will likely appear brighter along one edge. The total lunar eclipse will last about 58 minutes, with the moon near the Leo-Virgo border. This is the first total lunar eclipse since 2022, making it a must-see for North American skywatchers.
- Safety : It's safe to view the lunar eclipse with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. No special equipment is needed.
2. Total Lunar Eclipse - September 7-8, 2025
- Type : Total Lunar Eclipse
- Visibility : Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, western North America, eastern South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, Arctic and Antarctica
- Timings :
- Penumbral eclipse start: 15:28:09 UTC (September 7)
- Partial eclipse start: 16:26:54 UTC (September 7)
- Total eclipse start: 17:30:39 UTC (September 7)
- Greatest eclipse: 18:11:49 UTC (September 7)
- Total eclipse ends: 18:53:21 UTC (September 7)
- Partial eclipse ends: 19:56:56 UTC (September 7)
- Penumbral eclipse ends: 20:55:31 UTC (September 7)
- Details: This eclipse will occur in the constellation Aquarius, where the Moon will pass through the southern part of Earth's shadow, resulting in a total solar eclipse lasting 82 minutes. It is best viewed in the Eastern Hemisphere, appearing around dusk in Europe and Africa or after midnight in Asia and Australia. The partial phases can be seen before moonset in western North America.
- Safety: It is safe to view without eye protection. Consider sharing photos or videos of this amazing "blood moon" event.
Debunking the August 2, 2025 eclipse myth
Viral social media posts that garnered millions of views on TikTok (#AugustEclipse2025) and X falsely claimed that the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2025 would plunge the entire world into darkness. NASA, the U.S. Naval Observatory and other experts confirm that there will be no eclipse on this date. This misinformation likely confuses the 2025 date with the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which will be visible in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The 2027 event, known as the "Great North African Eclipse," will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest total solar eclipse on Earth between 1991 and 2114.
To avoid such rumors, rely on reliable astronomical sources for accurate eclipse timetables and viewing information.
How to View an Eclipse Safely
- Solar Eclipses: During a solar eclipse, even a partial one, never look directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses or a solar filter. Ordinary sunglasses, cameras or binoculars without proper filters can cause permanent eye damage. Indirect methods such as pinhole projectors or colanders are safer alternatives.
- Lunar eclipses: These are safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. No special equipment is required, so anyone can view them.
- Preparation: Check the local time and visibility of your location using reliable astronomical sources. Choose a viewing location with a clear line of sight and minimal obstructions.
More Than a Moment: Why Eclipses Captivate Us
Eclipses are not just a visual spectacle; they offer scientific opportunities and cultural significance:
- Science: Solar eclipses provide researchers with an opportunity to study the Sun's corona, magnetic field and solar phenomena. Lunar eclipses provide information about the Earth's atmosphere and its effects on moonlight.
- Culture: In Vedic astrology, eclipses are considered inauspicious, and precautions are taken such as abstaining from auspicious work during the "sutak period" (9 hours before a lunar eclipse). Globally, eclipses have inspired myths, such as the transformation beliefs of Native American peoples or Tibetan Buddhist views on amplified karma.
Eclipses coming after 2025-26-27
If you missed the eclipses of 2025, here are some key events to mark on your calendar:
- February 17, 2026 : Annular solar eclipse (Antarctica, Africa, South America).
- March 3, 2026 : Total lunar eclipse (Asia, Australia, America).
- August 12, 2026 : Total solar eclipse (Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia).
- August 2, 2027 : Total solar eclipse (Europe, North Africa, Middle East).
Mark Your Calendars: The Eclipses of 2025
Although there is no solar eclipse today, on August 3, 2025, or on August 2, 2025, there will still be four amazing eclipses this year—two partial solar and two full lunar—that offer awe-inspiring views. The partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025 and the total lunar eclipses on March 13-14 and September 7-8, 2025 are your next chances to witness these cosmic events. Always confirm eclipse dates with reliable sources to avoid misinformation and take proper safety precautions for Surya Darshan. Stay tuned to reputable astronomy resources for real-time updates and local viewing times to make the most of these celestial wonders.
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