Partial Solar Eclipse 2025: When & Where to See The “Equinox Eclipse”
On September 21, 2025, skywatchers in New Zealand, parts of Australia, and Antarctica will witness a deep partial solar eclipse. This event coincides with the September equinox, making it especially remarkable. In this article, you’ll learn when and where to see the eclipse, and what makes it unique. To explore eclipse maps and timings tailored to your location, check the Sky Tonight app.
Contents
- What time is the partial solar eclipse in September 2025?
- Where can I see the partial solar eclipse in September 2025?
- Why is the September 2025 eclipse special?
- What is a partial solar eclipse?
- When is the next solar eclipse?
- September 2025 partial solar eclipse: Bottom line
What time is the partial solar eclipse in September 2025?
The eclipse will begin on September 21 at 17:29 GMT (1:29 p.m. EDT) and end at 21:53 GMT (5:53 p.m. EDT), lasting over four hours.
The moment of greatest eclipse will occur at 19:41 GMT (3:41 p.m. EDT), when the Moon will cover nearly 80% of the Sun’s disk over the remote South Pacific, midway between New Zealand and Antarctica. This is where the eclipse will be at its deepest, with the Sun appearing as only a slender crescent.
The exact timing of the eclipse will differ depending on where you are. To find out when the eclipse starts, reaches its maximum, and ends in your exact location, download the Eclipse Guide or Sky Tonight app.
Where can I see the partial solar eclipse in September 2025?
Unfortunately, most of the world will miss this event entirely — the eclipse path is confined to the Southern Hemisphere’s remote regions. The best views will come from the southern Pacific region, where the Moon will cover most of the Sun’s disk. The southernmost point of New Zealand, Stewart Island, and parts of coastal Antarctica are the top spots to experience the eclipse at its deepest.
Observers across all of New Zealand will see a striking eclipse during sunrise on September 22. The percentage of coverage depends on the location and varies from about 60% to 73%. In Australia, the eclipse will be best viewed from Macquarie Island, with almost 80% of the Sun hidden at maximum. Mainland Australia will be largely outside the eclipse path: for instance, Sydney will experience only a very slight eclipse of about 1%, and Melbourne won’t see the eclipse at all.
Best locations with viewing times
New Zealand (September 22)
- Oban (Stewart Island): Eclipse begins at 06:37 NZST, peaks at 07:14 (with 73% of the Sun covered), and ends at 08:23.
- Christchurch: Eclipse begins at 06:19 NZST, peaks at 07:08 (with 69% of the Sun covered), and ends at 08:18,.
- Wellington: Eclipse begins at 06:10 NZST, peaks at 07:04, and ends at 08:15, with 66% of the Sun covered.
- Auckland: Eclipse begins at 06:10 NZST, peaks at 06:55 (with 61% of the Sun covered), and ends at 08:04.
Australia (September 22)
- Macquarie Island: Eclipse begins at 05:13 MIST, peaks at 05:28 (with 78% of the Sun covered), and ends at 06:36.
- Lord Howe Island: Eclipse begins at 05:43 LHST, peaks at 05:46 (with 27% of the Sun covered), and ends at 06:16.
Antarctica (September 22)
- Zucchelli Station: Eclipse begins at 07:05 NZST, peaks at 08:10 (with 72% of the Sun covered), and ends at 09:17.
- McMurdo Station: Eclipse begins at 07:11 NZST, peaks at 08:16 (with 69% of the Sun covered), and ends at 09:23.
Why is the September 2025 eclipse special?
This eclipse stands out for several reasons:
- Deep partial eclipse — with up to 80% of the Sun’s disk obscured, it’s one of the most dramatic partial eclipses of the decade.
- “Equinox Eclipse” — the eclipse occurs just before the September equinox, when day and night are nearly equal worldwide, giving it extra symbolic significance.
- Unique opportunity for New Zealand — unlike many Southern Hemisphere eclipses that occur over remote oceans or Antarctica, this one will bring a deep eclipse to populated areas of New Zealand. Even more special, it comes just two weeks after a total lunar eclipse on September 7, which is also visible from this region.
Want to learn more about eclipses in a fun way? Take our eclipses quiz to test your knowledge and uncover lots of curious facts!
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon blocks only part of the Sun’s disk. Unlike a total or annular eclipse, the Sun is never fully covered. However, during a deep partial eclipse like the one on September 21, daylight can dim noticeably, creating a surreal atmosphere. Read our dedicated article to learn more about different types of solar eclipses.
Remember: never look at the Sun without proper eye protection. Use certified eclipse glasses or solar filters — ordinary sunglasses are not safe.
When is the next solar eclipse?
After September 2025, the next solar eclipse will take place on February 17, 2026. It will be an annular eclipse visible as a “ring of fire” only from Antarctica.
Then, on August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur. It will be visible from parts of Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. A partial eclipse will be seen over much of Europe, Africa, and North America.
Check out our eclipse infographic to learn more about upcoming solar and lunar eclipses.
September 2025 partial solar eclipse: Bottom line
The partial solar eclipse on September 21, 2025 will be a deep eclipse, best seen from New Zealand and parts of Antarctica, with the Moon covering up to 80% of the Sun’s disk. Its coincidence with the September equinox makes it even more special. To plan your viewing and find the exact times of the eclipse for your location, use the Eclipse Guide or Sky Tonight apps. And don’t forget your eclipse glasses!
