This weekend, March 29, 2025, marks a celestial event that skywatchers won’t want to miss—a partial solar eclipse! This phenomenon will be visible across the northeastern regions of North America, large swathes of Europe, and parts of Russia, with lucky observers in Morocco also catching a glimpse of the moon covering a slice of the sun.

What’s Happening with the Moon?

A new moon occurs when the Earth, moon, and sun align perfectly, leading the moon to obscure a portion of the sun's disk. During this specific event, the alignment will take place at 5:58 a.m. EDT (10:58 UTC). While partial solar eclipses don’t envelop the sky in darkness as total eclipses do, they still promise a mesmerizing sight as the crescent sun peeks through.

The partial eclipse will commence at 8:50 UTC and conclude at 12:43 UTC. However, the exact timings will vary depending on your location.

Stay Safe While Observing!

It’s crucial to emphasize safety—NEVER look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as doing so can cause severe eye damage or blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient! Use solar eclipse glasses or specially designed filters for safe viewing.

Where to See the Maximum Eclipse

For those in northeastern Canada, particularly in regions of Quebec and Nunavut, prepare for an incredible experience where up to 90% of the sun’s disk will be obscured. Specifically, in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, the eclipse begins before dawn at 5:57 a.m., with maximum coverage occurring at 6:51 a.m., shortly before sunrise at 6:02 a.m.

In Quebec City, observers will witness about 72% coverage, with maximum eclipse occurring almost immediately after sunrise. Meanwhile, Montreal will experience roughly 50% coverage at its peak around 6:42 a.m.

Cities to Watch the Eclipse

- **Boston**: 40% coverage at maximum eclipse around 6:38 a.m., just after sunrise. - **New York City**: 22% coverage at 6:46 a.m., occurring shortly after sunrise at 6:44 a.m. - **Reykjavik, Iceland**: Maximum coverage of 68% at 11:05 a.m. local time. - **London**: Peaks at 30% coverage at 11:03 a.m.

Night Sky Watch!

Even if you miss the eclipse, the new moon provides a great opportunity to stargaze. By dusk on March 29, watch for Jupiter and Mars as they will be prominent in the evening sky. Jupiter will shine brightly in the west-southwest, while Mars will be visible in the south.

A Gem Among the Stars

After the solar show, the night offers a beautiful glimpse into the cosmos. The prominent constellations will parade across the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, look out for Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, and the Lion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the Southern Cross will dominate.

Prepare your eclipse glasses and set your alarms! There’s no better way to connect with the wonders of the universe than witnessing this spectacular solar event. Mark your calendars, gather your friends, and let the stargazing commence!