Skywatchers in select parts of the Southern Hemisphere are witnessing a partial solar eclipse today, september 21, 2025, in a celestial event visible to only a tiny fraction of the world’s population. The astronomical spectacle, where the moon obscures a portion of the sun, is gracing the skies over parts of New Zealand, eastern Australia, several Pacific islands, and Antarctica.
The eclipse began its journey across the sky at 17:29 UTC. According to astronomical data, it is set to reach its maximum point of obscuration at 19:41 UTC before concluding at 21:53 UTC. An estimated 16.6 million people, or just 0.2% of the global population, are in a position to view the event directly. For the vast majority of the world, including all of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, the eclipse is not visible, but numerous live online broadcasts are available for virtual viewing.
The most dramatic views are reserved for the planet’s most remote locations. The greatest eclipse magnitude, where up to 85% of the sun's diameter is covered by the moon, will occur over a desolate stretch of Antarctica. This has led some to dub it an event that will be seen “by more penguins than humans.”
Viewers in New Zealand are experiencing a particularly unique sight. Due to the timing, the eclipse is visible at sunrise on the local date of september 22. In cities like Dunedin, residents witnessed the sun rising as a fiery crescent, already partially eclipsed. The sun reached a maximum coverage of 72% shortly after dawn in that location.
This event carries an extra layer of astronomical significance as it coincides almost perfectly with the september equinox, which occurs just hours later on september 22. This alignment adds a rare element to the day's sky-watching opportunities. In another cosmic coincidence, the planet saturn is also at its biggest and brightest in the sky on september 21, as it reaches opposition with the sun.
Officials and astronomers have issued strong reminders about the importance of eye safety. Viewing any part of the sun directly without proper protection can cause severe and permanent eye damage. It is critical to use certified solar eclipse glasses or viewers, or to observe the event indirectly using a pinhole projector or a telescope equipped with a professional solar filter.
For those outside the path of visibility, space and astronomy websites are providing live streams, ensuring that no one has to miss out on this beautiful and remote partial solar eclipse.