Partial Solar Eclipse: When It Happens and How to Watch It Safely

Partial solar eclipses don’t get as much hype as total ones, but they’re still a cool sky show. The Moon moves in front of the Sun, covering just a piece of the bright disk. You still get a noticeable bite out of the Sun, and the light gets a bit dimmer. If you know the date, time, and safety steps, you can enjoy the event without any hassle.

When is the next partial solar eclipse?

The next visible partial eclipse for most of southern Africa will take place on October 2, 2025. In South Africa the eclipse starts around 09:45 am local time, reaches its maximum at about 11:20 am, and ends near 12:55 pm. The percentage of the Sun that will be covered varies by location – coastal areas get roughly 30% coverage, while inland spots can see up to 45%.

If you’re not in South Africa, check a local astronomy site for the exact timing in your region. Even a small bite in the Sun is easy to spot if you look up at the right moment.

How to watch a partial eclipse safely

Never look directly at the Sun without protection. Regular sunglasses won’t cut enough UV light, so you need solar‑viewing glasses that meet the ISO 12312‑2 standard. These glasses are cheap, reusable for a few years, and give you a clear black‑dot view of the Sun’s edge.

Another option is a pinhole projector. Just punch a tiny hole in a piece of cardboard and let the Sun’s light shine onto a flat surface. You’ll see the crescent shape move across the projected image as the eclipse progresses. It’s a fun DIY project for kids and adults alike.

If you have a telescope or binoculars, attach a solar filter to the front of the optics. Never use a filter that goes on the eyepiece – it can crack from heat and let harmful rays through.

Plan to be outside a little early so you can set up your viewing method, find a clear spot, and maybe snap a few photos. A smartphone with a solar filter on the lens works fine for quick pictures. For longer exposures, use a DSLR with a proper solar filter and a tripod.

After the eclipse, the sky will slowly return to normal brightness. You might notice a faint shadow on the ground where the Sun was partially blocked – that’s called the “shadow bands” effect, which is more common in total eclipses but can appear in strong partial ones too.

So, mark your calendar for October 2, 2025, grab a pair of certified solar glasses, and get ready for a short but impressive sky event. Whether you’re a casual observer or an amateur photographer, a partial solar eclipse is a simple way to connect with the cosmos without any special equipment beyond safety gear.