First Images of September 2025 Partial Solar Eclipse Revealed

The first images from the partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, have been captured, showing the moon taking a significant "bite" out of the sun. The celestial event was observed from New Zealand, where astronomers and skywatchers witnessed up to 70% of the sun's disk being obscured by the moon's silhouette shortly after sunrise.

The photographs, provided through a collaboration between Time and Date and the Dunedin Astronomical Society, document the progression of the eclipse as it unfolded over the Pacific Ocean. This event offered a dramatic view of orbital mechanics in action, transforming the sun into a fiery crescent in the early morning sky.

A Celestial Alignment Over the Pacific

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, but the three celestial bodies are not perfectly aligned. From a specific vantage point on Earth, the moon appears to block only a part of the sun's disk. This alignment happens during the new moon phase, which occurs roughly once a month.

However, an eclipse does not happen every month because the moon's orbit around Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth's orbit around the sun. Eclipses only take place when the moon crosses the plane of Earth's orbit during its new or full phase.

Observing the Eclipse from New Zealand

The primary observation point for these initial images was Dunedin, located on the southeastern coast of New Zealand's South Island. The timing of the event provided a unique spectacle, as the eclipse began just as the sun was rising over the eastern horizon. This low position in the sky created a dramatic backdrop for the celestial event.

Members of the Dunedin Astronomical Society successfully captured the event despite challenging weather conditions. According to reports from the livestream, the sun had to emerge from behind a large cloud bank before clear views were possible, adding to the tension and excitement for observers.

The Initial Phase

The first views showed the moon's dark silhouette beginning its journey across the sun's fiery disk. Moving from left to right from the perspective of the observers, the moon slowly encroached upon the sun, marking the start of the partial eclipse. This initial contact is a subtle but significant moment for astronomers.

Reaching Maximum Obscuration

Minutes after the initial phase, the eclipse reached its local maximum over Dunedin. At this point, an impressive 70% of the sun's surface was hidden behind the moon. The sun was transformed into a brilliant, slender crescent hanging in the morning sky. This is the most dramatic phase of a partial eclipse.

An interesting phenomenon occurs during such a deep partial eclipse. Light filtering through small openings, like the spaces between leaves on a tree or holes in a colander, will project crescent-shaped images of the sun onto the ground. This provides a safe and indirect way to observe the eclipse's shape.

"The view of the sun's disk close to the local eclipse maximum in Dunedin was a magnificent display of orbital mechanics," noted a commentator during the Time and Date livestream.

The Waning Phase

Following the peak, the eclipse entered its waning phase. The moon continued its path across the sun, gradually revealing more of the solar disk. Images captured during this period, some presented with an inverted color scheme for clarity, showed the moon's silhouette slipping off the upper right portion of the sun. Over the next hour, the moon completely moved away, returning the sun to its familiar circular shape and full brightness.

Safety and Future Eclipses

It is crucial to remember that looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered, is extremely dangerous and can cause permanent eye damage. Safe observation requires certified eclipse glasses or solar viewers. Alternatively, one can use a pinhole projector to cast an image of the sun onto a surface.

For those who missed this event, the next solar eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse on February 17, 2026. The path of annularity for this event will cross over parts of southern Africa and Antarctica, offering a spectacular "ring of fire" for observers in the right locations.

Preparing for future celestial events is key for any aspiring skywatcher. Ensuring you have proper safety equipment well in advance is essential. These events serve as a powerful reminder of the dynamic and predictable nature of our solar system, offering breathtaking views that connect us to the cosmos.