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21 Mar 2025, Fri

How to watch the March 29 partial solar eclipse

Solar Eclipse


Astronomy enthusiasts have a special reason to look up this month. On March 29, a partial solar eclipse is set to captivate observers across various parts of the world, though it won’t be visible in Brazil. This phenomenon, where the Moon partially covers the Sun, creating a “bite” effect on its disk, will be seen in regions like Europe, northern Asia, northwestern Africa, and much of North America. For those who follow celestial events, this date kicks off the 2024 eclipse season, which promises more surprises throughout the year. While Brazil misses out this time, preparations for safe observation and understanding the event are already sparking excitement among fans and experts alike.

The March partial solar eclipse is part of a busy astronomical calendar. It follows the total lunar eclipse visible in Brazil on March 13-14, when the Moon turned a striking reddish hue, known as a “Blood Moon.” Unlike that event, which could be enjoyed with the naked eye, watching a solar eclipse requires special precautions, such as protective glasses or proper equipment. This year’s eclipse lineup also includes another partial solar eclipse in September and a lunar one in the same month, highlighting the fascinating alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

Though the event won’t reach Brazilian skies, global anticipation is strong. In places like northeastern Canada and Greenland, the Sun’s coverage could reach up to 90%, while in Europe, the effect will be subtler, ranging from 10% to 70%, depending on the location. For Brazilians, options include watching live streams or planning for future events, with the next solar eclipse visible in the country slated for 2027.

What to expect from the partial solar eclipse

Events like the March 29 partial solar eclipse happen when the Moon positions itself between Earth and the Sun, but without the perfect alignment needed for a total eclipse. This results in only a portion of the Sun being obscured, offering a unique view in the sky. The extent of the phenomenon depends on the observer’s location, with areas closer to the Moon’s path seeing greater coverage of the solar disk.

In prime viewing spots, such as northeastern Canada, the Sun will be 80% to 90% covered. In countries like Iceland and Spain, the coverage will be less dramatic, ranging from 65% to 30%. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:48 a.m. Brasília time and will last for a few hours, varying by region.

The charm of a partial eclipse lies in its simplicity, provided it’s observed safely. Unlike a total eclipse, which reveals the Sun’s corona, or an annular one, with its iconic “ring of fire,” the partial version delivers a quieter but still striking display for those who appreciate celestial motion.

Essential safety tips for eclipse viewing

Protecting your eyes is the top priority for anyone planning to watch the partial solar eclipse. Staring directly at the Sun, even during the event, can cause permanent retinal damage, including blindness. Experts stress the importance of using certified solar-filter glasses or indirect viewing methods, like projecting the Sun’s image onto a surface.

Common household items like regular sunglasses, film negatives, or X-ray sheets don’t provide adequate protection and should be avoided. Telescopes and binoculars, if used, must have specific solar filters attached to the front of the lenses. These measures ensure the spectacle can be enjoyed without harm.

For those outside the visibility zone, several online platforms will broadcast the event live. Institutions like NASA and local observatories have announced real-time coverage, allowing people worldwide, including in Brazil, to experience the eclipse safely.

Why eclipses have captivated humanity for centuries

Solar eclipses carry a rich history of cultural and scientific significance. Ancient civilizations often saw them as omens or divine events, while today they’re studied to deepen our understanding of the Solar System. The precise alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth required for an eclipse serves as a reminder of the clockwork nature of celestial mechanics.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon doesn’t fully cover the Sun because its orbital position prevents a complete blackout. This sets it apart from total eclipses, where the Moon’s shadow, or umbra, reaches Earth, and annular eclipses, where the Moon’s distance creates a bright ring around its silhouette. In 2024, over four eclipses—solar and lunar—are expected, underscoring their regularity.

Modern science also reaps rewards from these moments. Researchers use eclipses to study the Sun’s atmosphere, test gravitational theories, and fine-tune astronomical tools. For the general public, though, the main draw remains the rare chance to witness the sky transform, even if only partially.

Astronomical calendar: Key events to watch

Keeping track of 2024’s eclipses requires noting dates and visibility zones. The March 29 partial solar eclipse is just the start of a series of celestial highlights this year. Here’s a rundown of the major events in the coming months:

  • March 14: Total lunar eclipse, visible in Brazil, with the Moon fully in Earth’s shadow.
  • March 29: Partial solar eclipse, observable in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
  • September 7-8: Partial lunar eclipse, visible in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but not Brazil.
  • September 21: Partial solar eclipse, seen in Australia, Antarctica, and Oceania.

These events follow a natural cycle, with solar eclipses occurring during a New Moon and lunar ones during a Full Moon, typically two weeks apart. For Brazilians, the next notable solar eclipse will be an annular one in 2027, visible in select regions.

Top spots to catch the March eclipse

While Brazil won’t see the March 29 partial solar eclipse, other parts of the world offer ideal viewing conditions. Northeastern Canada and Greenland will experience the event at its peak, with up to 90% of the Sun obscured. These remote, chilly locations draw astronomers and travelers for their exceptional visibility.

In Europe, cities like Reykjavik in Iceland and Madrid in Spain will enjoy a partial view, with the Sun covered by 65% to 30%. Northwestern Africa will see a similar show, with the eclipse starting in the morning and lasting into early afternoon, depending on local time zones.

Observers in these areas should prepare early, securing protective gear and picking spots with clear skies. Weather forecasts will play a crucial role, as clouds could obstruct the view of the Sun.

Tips to make the most of celestial events

Planning ahead can turn eclipse-watching into a memorable experience, even from afar. For Brazilians relying on online streams this time, a few steps can enhance enjoyment. Tuning into broadcasts from observatories or following astronomy accounts on social media ensures access to live footage and expert insights.

  • Pick a reliable stream: Channels like NASA’s or those from top universities offer high-quality, accurate coverage.
  • Gather a group: Watching with friends or family can make the virtual event more engaging.
  • Learn the basics: Understanding eclipse types and their mechanics boosts appreciation.
  • Stay updated: Monitoring upcoming dates helps with future planning.

For those in visible regions, finding elevated or less light-polluted spots and checking weather conditions ahead of time are key to a successful viewing.



Astronomy enthusiasts have a special reason to look up this month. On March 29, a partial solar eclipse is set to captivate observers across various parts of the world, though it won’t be visible in Brazil. This phenomenon, where the Moon partially covers the Sun, creating a “bite” effect on its disk, will be seen in regions like Europe, northern Asia, northwestern Africa, and much of North America. For those who follow celestial events, this date kicks off the 2024 eclipse season, which promises more surprises throughout the year. While Brazil misses out this time, preparations for safe observation and understanding the event are already sparking excitement among fans and experts alike.

The March partial solar eclipse is part of a busy astronomical calendar. It follows the total lunar eclipse visible in Brazil on March 13-14, when the Moon turned a striking reddish hue, known as a “Blood Moon.” Unlike that event, which could be enjoyed with the naked eye, watching a solar eclipse requires special precautions, such as protective glasses or proper equipment. This year’s eclipse lineup also includes another partial solar eclipse in September and a lunar one in the same month, highlighting the fascinating alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.

Though the event won’t reach Brazilian skies, global anticipation is strong. In places like northeastern Canada and Greenland, the Sun’s coverage could reach up to 90%, while in Europe, the effect will be subtler, ranging from 10% to 70%, depending on the location. For Brazilians, options include watching live streams or planning for future events, with the next solar eclipse visible in the country slated for 2027.

What to expect from the partial solar eclipse

Events like the March 29 partial solar eclipse happen when the Moon positions itself between Earth and the Sun, but without the perfect alignment needed for a total eclipse. This results in only a portion of the Sun being obscured, offering a unique view in the sky. The extent of the phenomenon depends on the observer’s location, with areas closer to the Moon’s path seeing greater coverage of the solar disk.

In prime viewing spots, such as northeastern Canada, the Sun will be 80% to 90% covered. In countries like Iceland and Spain, the coverage will be less dramatic, ranging from 65% to 30%. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:48 a.m. Brasília time and will last for a few hours, varying by region.

The charm of a partial eclipse lies in its simplicity, provided it’s observed safely. Unlike a total eclipse, which reveals the Sun’s corona, or an annular one, with its iconic “ring of fire,” the partial version delivers a quieter but still striking display for those who appreciate celestial motion.

Essential safety tips for eclipse viewing

Protecting your eyes is the top priority for anyone planning to watch the partial solar eclipse. Staring directly at the Sun, even during the event, can cause permanent retinal damage, including blindness. Experts stress the importance of using certified solar-filter glasses or indirect viewing methods, like projecting the Sun’s image onto a surface.

Common household items like regular sunglasses, film negatives, or X-ray sheets don’t provide adequate protection and should be avoided. Telescopes and binoculars, if used, must have specific solar filters attached to the front of the lenses. These measures ensure the spectacle can be enjoyed without harm.

For those outside the visibility zone, several online platforms will broadcast the event live. Institutions like NASA and local observatories have announced real-time coverage, allowing people worldwide, including in Brazil, to experience the eclipse safely.

Why eclipses have captivated humanity for centuries

Solar eclipses carry a rich history of cultural and scientific significance. Ancient civilizations often saw them as omens or divine events, while today they’re studied to deepen our understanding of the Solar System. The precise alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth required for an eclipse serves as a reminder of the clockwork nature of celestial mechanics.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon doesn’t fully cover the Sun because its orbital position prevents a complete blackout. This sets it apart from total eclipses, where the Moon’s shadow, or umbra, reaches Earth, and annular eclipses, where the Moon’s distance creates a bright ring around its silhouette. In 2024, over four eclipses—solar and lunar—are expected, underscoring their regularity.

Modern science also reaps rewards from these moments. Researchers use eclipses to study the Sun’s atmosphere, test gravitational theories, and fine-tune astronomical tools. For the general public, though, the main draw remains the rare chance to witness the sky transform, even if only partially.

Astronomical calendar: Key events to watch

Keeping track of 2024’s eclipses requires noting dates and visibility zones. The March 29 partial solar eclipse is just the start of a series of celestial highlights this year. Here’s a rundown of the major events in the coming months:

  • March 14: Total lunar eclipse, visible in Brazil, with the Moon fully in Earth’s shadow.
  • March 29: Partial solar eclipse, observable in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
  • September 7-8: Partial lunar eclipse, visible in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, but not Brazil.
  • September 21: Partial solar eclipse, seen in Australia, Antarctica, and Oceania.

These events follow a natural cycle, with solar eclipses occurring during a New Moon and lunar ones during a Full Moon, typically two weeks apart. For Brazilians, the next notable solar eclipse will be an annular one in 2027, visible in select regions.

Top spots to catch the March eclipse

While Brazil won’t see the March 29 partial solar eclipse, other parts of the world offer ideal viewing conditions. Northeastern Canada and Greenland will experience the event at its peak, with up to 90% of the Sun obscured. These remote, chilly locations draw astronomers and travelers for their exceptional visibility.

In Europe, cities like Reykjavik in Iceland and Madrid in Spain will enjoy a partial view, with the Sun covered by 65% to 30%. Northwestern Africa will see a similar show, with the eclipse starting in the morning and lasting into early afternoon, depending on local time zones.

Observers in these areas should prepare early, securing protective gear and picking spots with clear skies. Weather forecasts will play a crucial role, as clouds could obstruct the view of the Sun.

Tips to make the most of celestial events

Planning ahead can turn eclipse-watching into a memorable experience, even from afar. For Brazilians relying on online streams this time, a few steps can enhance enjoyment. Tuning into broadcasts from observatories or following astronomy accounts on social media ensures access to live footage and expert insights.

  • Pick a reliable stream: Channels like NASA’s or those from top universities offer high-quality, accurate coverage.
  • Gather a group: Watching with friends or family can make the virtual event more engaging.
  • Learn the basics: Understanding eclipse types and their mechanics boosts appreciation.
  • Stay updated: Monitoring upcoming dates helps with future planning.

For those in visible regions, finding elevated or less light-polluted spots and checking weather conditions ahead of time are key to a successful viewing.



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