A partial solar eclipse is set to occur on September 21, 2025, offering a celestial spectacle for observers in the Southern Hemisphere. The event will be visible from Antarctica and parts of the southern Pacific Ocean, with the most significant views available from New Zealand.
Key Takeaways
- A partial solar eclipse will take place on September 21-22, 2025, coinciding with the new moon.
- The eclipse will be visible primarily from Antarctica, the southern Pacific Ocean, and New Zealand.
- At its peak, observers in southern New Zealand will see up to 73% of the sun obscured by the moon.
- Proper eye protection, such as certified eclipse glasses or solar filters, is essential for safe viewing.
- The new moon also provides an excellent opportunity to observe planets like Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus in the night sky.
Understanding the Partial Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. This alignment occurs during the new moon phase, which takes place approximately every 29.5 days. While solar eclipses happen about twice a year, they are only visible from a small portion of the Earth's surface each time.
This particular event is a partial solar eclipse, meaning the moon will only cover a portion of the sun's disk. From the ground, it will appear as if a bite has been taken out of the sun. The exact amount of the sun covered depends on the observer's location.
Safety First: Observing the Sun
It is never safe to look directly at the sun without specialized eye protection. Staring at even a partially eclipsed sun can cause permanent eye damage, including blindness. Always use certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Never view the sun through an unfiltered camera, telescope, or binoculars, as this will concentrate the solar rays and cause severe injury.
Where to See the Eclipse
The path of this eclipse is concentrated over remote areas of the globe. The visibility zone stretches from the southern islands of Kiribati and Fiji to French Polynesia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the eastern coasts of Australia and Tasmania.
However, for observers in Australia and Tasmania, the effect will be minimal, with only a very small fraction of the sun being obscured. The best land-based viewing locations are in southern New Zealand.
Viewing from New Zealand
Stewart Island, located south of New Zealand's South Island, will offer the most dramatic view. In the town of Oban, the eclipse will begin at 6:10 a.m. local time on September 22, before the sun has risen. As the sun appears on the horizon at 6:37 a.m., it will already look like a crescent.
Eclipse Details for Oban, New Zealand
- Event Date: September 22, 2025
- Eclipse Starts: 6:10 a.m. NZST (before sunrise)
- Sunrise: 6:37 a.m. NZST
- Maximum Eclipse: 7:14 a.m. NZST (73% of sun covered)
- Eclipse Ends: 8:23 a.m. NZST
Further north in Christchurch, the eclipse will still be impressive, with up to 69% of the sun covered at its peak. The event starts at 6:03 a.m. local time, again before sunrise at 6:19 a.m. Maximum eclipse occurs at 7:08 a.m., creating a unique "devil horns" shape as the crescent sun's points face upward.
Viewing from Fiji
For those in Fiji, the eclipse will be less pronounced but still noticeable. In the capital city of Suva, the event begins on September 22 at 5:31 a.m. local time. At sunrise (5:56 a.m.), the top portion of the sun will be obscured. The maximum eclipse, covering about 27% of the sun, will be at 6:22 a.m., with the event concluding at 7:19 a.m.
A Guide to the Night Sky After the Eclipse
The new moon, which makes the solar eclipse possible, also creates a dark sky ideal for observing planets and stars. Here is a guide to what you can see from different parts of the world on the night of September 21, 2025.
Planets in the Northern Hemisphere
From mid-northern latitudes like New York City, several planets will be visible throughout the night.
- Mars: The Red Planet will be a challenge to spot, sitting low in the southwest shortly after sunset. It sets around 8:05 p.m. EDT.
- Saturn: Rising around 6:57 p.m. EDT, the ringed planet will be visible for nearly the entire night. It reaches its highest point in the southern sky just after midnight.
- Jupiter: The largest planet in our solar system rises at 12:59 a.m. on September 22. It will appear bright in the constellation Gemini.
- Venus: The brightest planet, Venus, will rise at 4:31 a.m. EDT, appearing as a brilliant morning star in the eastern sky before sunrise.
Planets from the Southern Hemisphere
Observers in the Southern Hemisphere will have an even better view of some planets.
"Southern Hemisphere locations will have the easiest time spotting Mars in the evening," according to astronomical projections. In Santiago, Chile, the planet will be well-positioned in the west after sunset.
Saturn will also be prominent, rising before sunset and climbing high into the northern sky. Jupiter will rise in the early morning hours, followed by Venus, which will appear low on the horizon shortly before sunrise.
Constellations to Look For
With no moonlight to interfere, it's a perfect time for stargazing. Here are some key constellations to identify.
Northern Hemisphere Constellations
In the evening, look for the Summer Triangle, an asterism formed by the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair, which will be nearly overhead. The Big Dipper will be visible in the northwest, and its pointer stars can be used to find Polaris, the North Star. Nearby, you can spot the distinctive "W" shape of Cassiopeia.
Southern Hemisphere Constellations
Observers below the equator should look for the famous Southern Cross (Crux) in the southwest. Above it are the two bright pointer stars, Hadar and Alpha Centauri. High in the sky, you can find Fomalhaut, the brightest star in the constellation Piscis Austrinus (the Southern Fish). Sagittarius and Scorpius will also be high in the sky, appearing almost directly overhead from many southern locations.
