Imagine traveling across the globe just to catch a glimpse of a 'smiley face' crescent sun momentarily illuminating the horizon, its tip resembling 'devil's horns' piercing through the morning mist. On March 29, 2025, eclipse enthusiasts from all corners of North America—and even some travelers from abroad—will flock to the scenic southwest region of New Brunswick, eastern Quebec, and northeastern Maine to witness 85% of the sun cloaked by a new moon as dawn breaks.

I'll be among those fortunate observers, reporting for Space.com and participating in the Sky Experience II: The Rising Sun Eclipse Experience & Retreat in the charming town of Saint Andrews-by-the-Sea. Known for its breathtaking views along the Bay of Fundy, Saint Andrews offers delightful attractions such as whale watching, exquisite seafood (think: fresh lobster), and scenic golf courses—making it a perfect backdrop for this celestial event.

This event promises to be more than just an eclipse—it's an adventure! As a seasoned eclipse chaser who has experienced total and annular solar eclipses across various locations, from cruise ships in Western Australia to fields in Easter Island, Chile, this will be a unique encounter: a crescent sun during a sunrise, something I’ve yet to witness.

Given the optimal conditions in Atlantic Canada, we’re hoping to catch this extraordinary sight with clear skies. In Saint Andrews, the horizontal eclipsed sunrise over Passamaquoddy Bay is set to happen at 7:13 a.m. ADT, reaching its maximum phase at 7:18 a.m. ADT with an 83% coverage of the sun. Unlike the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, this event will not have a totality phase; the sun’s corona will remain hidden, thus necessitating the use of solar eclipse glasses and filters.

What’s truly exciting about this partial solar eclipse is the potential to see the rare phenomenon of solar horns. This stunning visual effect occurs when the crescent sun appears on the horizon, creating the illusion of two bright “horns.” While unique and mesmerizing, this sight is usually limited to remote regions or open sea, but on this occasion, it's accessible right from the East Coast of North America.

Positioning is critical for this event. Saint Andrews not only lies on the ideal sunrise line, but with its ocean horizon, it offers a wide-open view unlike many other locales. Other dedicated eclipse chasers will gather at West Quoddy Point in Maine, a mere 75 miles south, and in Forestville, Quebec, about 430 miles north, adding to the excitement of the shared experience.

Additionally, I am looking forward to the educational offerings surrounding this event. The retreat features talks by renowned eclipse expert and astrophotographer Alan Dyer and Jenna Hinds from the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. A panel discussion will shed light on the experiences of First Nations in relation to astronomy and tourism. This retreat is hosted in the historic Algonquin Resort, built in 1889, where attendees can immerse in the local lore—including stories of a mysterious lady in white said to haunt the halls.

Another significant aspect of my trip is New Brunswick's exceptional dark skies. The region is home to four certified Dark Sky Preserves and is actively enhancing its stargazing potential, great news for avid night sky observers. The lack of moonlight during the week surrounding the eclipse provides an excellent opportunity for stargazing, making the overall experience even richer.

Ultimately, eclipse chasing enables exploration of beautiful, often unvisited areas, dictated not by typical tourist attractions, but by the dance of the moon's shadow across the Earth. Therefore, I am thrilled to venture to New Brunswick for this once-in-a-lifetime 'sunrise eclipse.'

And let’s not forget the significance of timing. As I reflected during the past years marked by uncertainty, the pursuit of celestial events reminds us of the beauty and continuity of life—but perhaps, most importantly, it reinforces that the next eclipse should always be the focus.