A Celestial Spectacle Awaits!

Get ready for a stunning celestial event on September 21! While most of the Northern Hemisphere will be oblivious, lucky early risers in New Zealand, the South Pacific, and a fortunate few in Antarctica (along with millions of curious penguins) will witness a breathtaking phenomenon: a "crescent sunrise" as the eclipsed sun rises on the horizon.

What Is the 'Equinox Eclipse'?

Coined the "equinox eclipse," this rare event coincides with the September equinox, occurring just hours apart. At 2:19 p.m. EDT (18:19 UTC) on September 22, the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the transition to spring in the Southern Hemisphere while autumn begins in the North.

Timing Is Everything!

This spectacular partial solar eclipse will span from 1:29 p.m. to 5:53 p.m. EDT (17:29 to 21:53 UTC) on September 21. For those in Antarctica and parts of New Zealand, the eclipse will start just as the sun rises the following day.

A Glimpse of the Sun—But Stay Protected!

Unlike total solar eclipses that fully obscure the sun, this partial eclipse allows for a crescent view. Remember, safety first! You'll need special solar eclipse glasses to behold the spectacle safely, as the sun will still be partially visible. While the darkening effects won’t be as striking, the heavily eclipsed sun promises jaw-dropping views on the horizon.

Where to Witness the Best Views!

In the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and Southern New Zealand, viewers can expect up to 86% of the sun to be obscured! Dunedin, New Zealand, is a prime viewing location, with the sun rising eclipsed at 6:27 a.m. NZST and achieving around 72% coverage about 40 minutes later.

Who Gets to See This Rare Event?

Only about 400,000 people will experience an eclipse covering more than 70% of the sun. Auckland will see a partial eclipse starting at 6:10 NZST, peaking at 61%. Meanwhile, in the South Pacific, Fijians and Tongans may catch a smaller glimpse of this cosmic event during sunrise, and Hobart, Australia, will see a subtle 3% eclipse shortly after 6:00 a.m. AEST.

Don’t Miss Out!

So clear your calendars for this extraordinary equinox solar eclipse! Whether you're part of the select few in the Southern Hemisphere, or just an admirer from afar, it's an event that promises to be unforgettable.