As 2025 enters its final stretch, sky-watchers and curious minds have something special to look forward to. The year’s second and final solar eclipse is set to take place between September 21 and 22. While it won’t be visible everywhere, this rare celestial event is still capturing attention worldwide. From timing to visibility, here are five important facts you should know about the last solar eclipse of the year.
The Timing and Type of the Eclipse
The last solar eclipse of 2025 will begin late on the night of September 21, around 11:00 PM IST, and will continue until the early hours of September 22, ending around 3:24 AM IST. That means the entire event will happen during the night for people in India.
This eclipse is classified as a partial solar eclipse, which means the Moon will only block a portion of the Sun. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the Sun is completely hidden, in a partial eclipse, part of the Sun remains visible. This results in a “bite-like” shape appearing in the Sun for observers in the path of the eclipse. While it may not be as dramatic as a full eclipse, it still offers an interesting display for those who are able to witness it.
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In scientific terms, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun’s light. However, because this event will happen at night for India and some other countries, it won’t be visible there.
Limited Visibility Across the Southern Hemisphere
One of the most important things to understand about this eclipse is where it will be visible. According to experts, the eclipse can only be seen from certain parts of the Southern Hemisphere. These include:
- Eastern Australia
- New Zealand
- Antarctica
- Parts of the South Pacific Ocean
- A few areas near the South Atlantic Ocean
These are the only places where people will be able to witness the Moon partly covering the Sun in the sky.
People living in India, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America will not be able to see this eclipse. This is due to a combination of time zone differences and the Sun’s position in the sky during the event. In simple terms, the Sun won’t be above the horizon in those regions while the eclipse is taking place.
Websites that track astronomical events globally have confirmed these visibility details. Many sky-watchers in the visible regions are already preparing to safely observe the event with special glasses or filtered equipment.
No Sutak Period Observed in India
In India and some neighboring countries, many traditions are followed during such celestial events. One of these is the Sutak period, a time when certain activities—especially religious ones—are avoided. People often stay indoors, don’t cook, and refrain from starting anything new during this phase.
However, these customs are generally observed only when the phenomenon is actually visible from a particular location.
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Since the upcoming event on September 21–22 will not be seen from India, the Sutak period will not apply here. This means there will be no changes in religious or household routines. Daily life across the country will continue as usual, even though the event is taking place elsewhere.
This distinction is important, especially in communities that follow these practices closely. The decision is always based on visibility, not just the occurrence of the event itself.
Related Celestial Event and a Quick Science Lesson
Interestingly, this solar event will come just weeks after another major occurrence—a lunar phenomenon expected on September 7. While that one may be visible in different parts of the world, both happenings are already creating a buzz among astronomy groups and sky enthusiasts.
It’s also a good time to refresh our memory on what a partial solar event really is. When the Moon moves in front of the Sun, it can partially block sunlight from reaching Earth. How much of the Sun is covered depends on your location on the planet.
For people in areas like New Zealand or eastern Australia, the Moon will slide across the Sun, but it won’t cover it entirely. Instead, it will create a crescent shape in the sky, making the Sun look like it’s missing a piece. This might last a few minutes or longer, depending on the exact location and timing.
For safety, it’s important that anyone watching a solar eclipse does not look directly at the Sun without proper protection. Special solar glasses or viewing equipment is always recommended, even for partial eclipses.
The September 2025 solar eclipse may not be visible to everyone, but it still stands out as one of the most notable sky events of the year. With rare visibility in selected Southern Hemisphere regions and no impact on daily life in countries like India, the eclipse is a reminder of the fascinating natural events that occur above us—even when we can’t always see them.
