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.
Key Takeaways
- First images have been released from the partial solar eclipse that occurred on September 21, 2025.
- The event was prominently viewed from Dunedin, New Zealand, where the eclipse reached its maximum phase shortly after sunrise.
- At its peak from this location, the moon covered approximately 70% of the sun's surface.
- The Dunedin Astronomical Society provided key footage for a livestream hosted by Time and Date.
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.
Understanding Eclipse Types
Solar eclipses come in different forms based on alignment. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing its outer atmosphere, the corona. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from Earth in its orbit and appears smaller, leaving a "ring of fire" visible. A partial solar eclipse, like this one, is when only a portion of the sun is obscured.
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.
Did You Know?
During a partial solar eclipse, the ambient light can dim noticeably, especially during a deep partial phase like the one seen in New Zealand. However, the change can be so gradual that casual observers might not notice it without looking at the sun through safe viewers.
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.
Upcoming Celestial Events
- Annular Solar Eclipse: February 17, 2026 (Visible from Antarctica, parts of southern Africa)
- Total Solar Eclipse: August 12, 2026 (Visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain)
- Total Solar Eclipse: August 2, 2027 (Visible from North Africa, Middle East)
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.