Solar Eclipse 2025: List of countries to witness the partial ‘Surya Grahan’ with timing and safe viewing tips |

The solar eclipse 2025, known in India as Surya Grahan, is set to occur on September 21, 2025, and has already sparked global curiosity. This partial eclipse will be the last celestial eclipse of the year, making it a significant astronomical event. During the eclipse, the Moon will partially obscure the Sun, creating a spectacular sight for those located in the regions of visibility. However, the eclipse will not be visible everywhere. According to NASA, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, including Australia, New Zealand, parts of Antarctica, and surrounding oceanic regions, will witness the phenomenon. In contrast, regions like India will miss out on direct visibility, although many can still follow the rare event through live streams and broadcasts.

Solar Eclipse 2025: Date and timing

According to NASA, the partial solar eclipse will occur on Sunday, September 21, 2025, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun at the descending node of its orbit.

As per data from EarthSky.org, the eclipse timeline is as follows (all times in UTC):

At its peak, nearly 85% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon, offering a dramatic view for those within the path of visibility.

Countries where Solar Eclipse 2025 will be visible

Unlike a total solar eclipse, which is seen along a narrow strip, this event will be a partial solar eclipse and its visibility will be limited. According to timeanddate.com, the regions that will witness the event are primarily in the Southern Hemisphere.The countries and regions where the eclipse will be visible include:

Source: Timeanddate.comObservers in these areas will be able to witness the Sun partially obscured by the Moon, creating a unique celestial spectacle.

Partial solar eclipse 2025: Worldwide visibility

The solar eclipse on September 21, 2025, will be a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun’s disk. Unlike a total eclipse, the sky won’t go completely dark, but observers in the right locations will still witness a striking celestial event.This eclipse will be best visible across the Southern Hemisphere, especially over oceanic regions and small island nations. Let’s look closely at the countries and territories included in its path.Pacific Islands and OceaniaSeveral island nations in the Pacific Ocean will be in prime locations to witness the eclipse. In American Samoa, Samoa, Niue, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Wallis and Futuna, and the Cook Islands, the event will occur early in the morning, with timings stretching from 06:29 SST to 10:04 TAHT depending on location. These regions will see the Sun partially obscured, offering an impressive natural spectacle.Australia and New ZealandBoth Australia and New Zealand will experience the eclipse in the early morning hours. In Australia, the eclipse will start around 06:13 and end at 07:36, while in New Zealand, it will begin at 05:41 NZST and conclude by 08:36 NZST. For skywatchers in these countries, this will be one of the most easily accessible viewing opportunities.AntarcticaOne of the most significant regions for this eclipse is Antarctica, where the partial eclipse will last the longest. The event will stretch from 04:49 DDUT to 18:53 CLST, giving researchers and scientists stationed there a rare chance to study the eclipse in a remote and pristine environment.French Polynesia and KiribatiIn French Polynesia, the eclipse will begin at 07:41 TAHT and end at 10:04 TAHT, offering islanders a mid-morning view of the event. Similarly, Kiribati will experience the eclipse from 06:38 PHOT to 08:56 LINT, allowing observers to watch the Moon’s shadow glide across the Sun’s disk.Smaller territories and islandsOther island nations such as Fiji, Vanuatu, Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands will also experience the partial solar eclipse. These places will see shorter durations, generally lasting about one to two hours between 05:24 and 07:27 local times, depending on the location.

Will Solar Eclipse 2025 be visible in India

One of the most common questions is whether Surya Grahan 2025 will be visible in India. The answer, unfortunately, is no. According to the reports, the September 21 solar eclipse will not be visible from any part of India, including major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.This contrasts with the total lunar eclipse on September 7–8, 2025, which was clearly visible in India, Australia, and several other regions.

Surya Grahan and Hindu calendar significance

Though the solar eclipse of September 21, 2025, won’t be seen in India, it holds symbolic importance in the Hindu calendar. The date coincides with the last day of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day lunar period dedicated to paying respects to ancestors.During eclipses visible in India, people traditionally observe the Sutak period, a time marked by restrictions on food, rituals, and temple visits due to believed spiritual impurity. However, since the eclipse will not be visible in India, no Sutak rules will apply on this day.Still, some individuals may choose to observe personal or symbolic rituals for spiritual cleansing and purity during the eclipse period.

How to watch the Solar Eclipse safely

Watching a solar eclipse is an awe-inspiring experience, but it must always be done with proper precautions. Looking directly at the Sun, even during a partial eclipse, can cause severe and permanent eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not designed to block harmful solar radiation and are therefore unsafe.Use certified solar eclipse glassesThe safest way to witness the eclipse is by wearing ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses. These special filters reduce sunlight to safe levels, allowing you to view the event without risking your eyesight.Try a pinhole projector for indirect viewingIf eclipse glasses are unavailable, a pinhole projector offers a safe alternative. This simple device projects the Sun’s image onto a flat surface, letting you observe the eclipse indirectly.Watch live streams from space agenciesFor those outside the path of visibility, or if skies are cloudy, the eclipse can still be enjoyed through official live streams provided by organizations like NASA and other astronomy platforms.Also Read | Solar Eclipse 2025: When and how to watch the last Surya Grahan of the year in India and other countries