Assam: A partial solar eclipse will be visible across much of the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday, March 29, as the Moon partially covers the Sun. The celestial event will be observable from Canada to Siberia, with peak visibility occurring in northeastern Canada and Greenland at 10:47 GMT.
This marks the first partial solar eclipse of the year and the 17th of the 21st century. The phenomenon will last approximately four hours, beginning at 8:30 GMT and concluding at 12:43 GMT. Astronomers explain that due to the Moon’s imperfect alignment with the Earth and Sun, the eclipse will present as a crescent-shaped Sun rather than a total blackout.
According to Florent Deleflie, an astronomer at the Paris Observatory, the Moon’s shadow will not fully reach Earth, meaning no location will experience a total eclipse. However, certain areas, particularly in northeastern Canada and Greenland, will see up to 90% of the Sun obscured. In contrast, regions like France will witness only 10–30% coverage, while Ireland is expected to experience approximately 40%, depending on weather conditions.
Experts strongly advise using proper eye protection when observing the eclipse. Viewing the Sun directly without specialized eclipse glasses or indirect methods, such as pinhole projectors, can cause severe and permanent eye damage. Local astronomy centers are offering safe viewing opportunities with telescopes and expert guidance for a more immersive experience. Observers may also catch a glimpse of sunspots—dark patches on the Sun’s surface—during the event.
This partial solar eclipse follows a rare “Blood Moon” lunar eclipse that captivated skywatchers two weeks ago. Looking ahead, astronomers are eagerly anticipating a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. This future event will be visible across Iceland, northern Spain, and parts of Portugal, with over 90% of the Sun obscured in parts of Europe, including the UK, France, and Italy, making it one of the most awaited astronomical occurrences in recent years.
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