Skywatchers marvel at partial solar eclipse as parts of Sun go dark. See pics

A partial solar eclipse dimmed the skies during the day on Saturday, creating a celestial display visible across sections of Europe, Africa, North America, and the Atlantic. 

The partial solar eclipse took place on 29 March 2025. Visibility varied by location, but it was expected to begin around 2:20 PM IST and conclude by 6:13 PM IST.

The partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, partially blocking sunlight and casting a shadow, resulting in a captivating sight in the sky. 

The eclipse unfolded at different times based on location, with peak coverage varying. Ideal viewing spots included Greenland, parts of Canada, Western Europe, and North Africa. In many areas, it appeared shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, adding to its dramatic visual impact.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the Moon fully obscures the Sun, a partial eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s surface. This results in a crescent-shaped Sun, resembling a "bite" taken out of it.

Staring directly at the Sun during an eclipse can lead to permanent eye damage.
 

For centuries, solar eclipses have captivated people, inspiring both cultural beliefs and scientific study.

Partial solar eclipse over Stockholm City Hall in Stockholm, Sweden. 

A composite image of 7 separate photographs taken with a single fixed camera shows the partial solar eclipse seen from Castillo del Romeral, on the island of Gran Canaria. 
 

The next major solar eclipse will be a total eclipse on August 12, 2026, visible in parts of the Arctic and Europe.
 

To safely observe the eclipse, proper eye protection is essential. Eclipse glasses with certified solar filters provide a direct but safe way to view the event. Alternatively, pinhole projectors allow for indirect observation by projecting the Sun’s image onto a surface. Those using telescopes or cameras should equip them with special solar filters to prevent damage to both their eyes and equipment

A vane is silhouetted against the sun during a partial solar eclipse, in Gdansk, Poland. 

A view of the partial solar eclipse, in Nuuk in Greenland. 

People observe a partial solar eclipse in London. 

A view of a partial solar eclipse in St. Petersburg, Russia with a statue of an angel fixed atop the Alexander Column at the Palace Square in the foreground.