CATCH THE PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE THIS WEEKEND: YOUR EUROPE GUIDE

EUROPE • This Saturday, the Moon will appear to take a bite out of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse, visible across the Northern Hemisphere, including much of Europe. Here's what you need to know to safely observe this celestial event.

Published March 27, 2025 - 11:00 AM CET – Another week, another celestial event to marvel at. This weekend, the Moon will appear to take a bite out of the Sun during a partial solar eclipse.

The eclipse will be visible on Saturday across Europe, West Africa, Eastern North America, and Northern Asia. Within the Northern Hemisphere, the Sun will be most obscured in the northeastern United States, Greenland, and Eastern Canada.

Even for a partial eclipse, it's crucial to remember to shield your eyes. Here's what to expect in Europe, when to see it, and how to observe it safely.

What Happens During a Partial Solar Eclipse?

During a partial solar eclipse, the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth. The Moon casts a shadow on Earth, only partially blocking the Sun, making it appear as a crescent.

Experts emphasize the need to wear proper eye protection at all times because the Sun is never completely covered. "Eclipses are just a game of light and shadow between the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth," said Auriane Egal of the Montreal Planetarium. According to NASA, solar and lunar eclipses occur four to seven times a year.

Due to the tilt of the Moon's orbit around Earth, they tend to occur in pairs. A total lunar eclipse turned the Moon red in mid-March, for example.

When Will the Partial Solar Eclipse Be Visible in Europe?

To catch the eclipse, check astronomy websites for its precise start time in your local area. The spectacle is expected around sunrise for most of the Americas, late morning for Western Europe and Africa, and in the afternoon for Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.

During the eclipse, the Sun will slowly diminish into a crescent shape as the Moon appears to cover it, and the day might become noticeably darker. "It will feel like a particularly cloudy day," said Juan Carlos Muñoz-Mateos of the European Southern Observatory.

Remember to check local weather conditions before heading out. Clear skies are preferable, away from tall buildings and city lights.

What to Use to View the Eclipse?

You must wear protective eclipse glasses. However, viewers can also enjoy the show indirectly by creating a pinhole projector using household materials.

A similar effect can be achieved by holding up a colander. Observing the ground under a tree in the shade can produce crescent-shaped shadows as sunlight filters through the branches and leaves.

Another total lunar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse are expected to return in September, with the best views of that solar eclipse in Antarctica and New Zealand.