New York, Sept 20 (V7N) - The Southern Hemisphere is set to witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, obscuring a portion of the solar disk.
 
While the Northern Hemisphere experienced a similar celestial event in March, this will be the last solar eclipse of its kind in 2025, visible only to approximately 16 million people, or 0.2% of the global population.
 
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the sun and the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly, creating brief darkness and revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere. However, a partial solar eclipse happens when the alignment is imperfect, leaving part of the sun visible.
 
The partial solar eclipse on Sunday, September 21, will primarily be visible in Australia—including New Zealand—and Antarctica. The eclipse will also pass over portions of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and nearby islands, according to NASA.
 
The event is expected to begin at 1:29 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 21, which corresponds to Monday local time in the Southern Hemisphere. The maximum phase, when the moon covers the largest portion of the sun, will occur at 3:41 p.m. ET. Exact viewing times will vary depending on the observer’s location. Detailed schedules and maps can be accessed on Time and Date.
 
This partial solar eclipse follows a total lunar eclipse earlier in September, which was visible across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, offering skywatchers another opportunity to experience a rare celestial phenomenon this month.
 
END/WD/SMA/