Mirella Pandjaitan
Sep 09, 2025
Mark your calendars: the skies will deliver a rare and beautiful event on 21st September 2025, a partial solar eclipse that aligns almost perfectly with the equinox. It’s a celestial double feature that promises both scientific intrigue and visual wonder.
As the sun crosses the celestial equator, signalling autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern, several locations will be treated to the sight of the sun partially veiled by the moon and day and night are (roughly) equal all over the world. Unlike a total eclipse, this won’t darken the sky completely, but it will create a striking crescent sun at sunrise in certain areas.
Why does this happen?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on part of the Earth’s surface. For a partial solar eclipse, the alignment isn’t perfect—only part of the sun is obscured, giving that crescent-like appearance. Now, combine that with the equinox, which happens twice a year when the Earth's tilt is such that the sun appears to cross the equator.
So, why is this so rare? Because the orbits of the Earth and moon are tilted relative to each other, and eclipses only happen when the sun, moon, and Earth align just right—a condition that doesn’t usually coincide with equinoxes. The fact that this one does is a beautiful bit of cosmic timing.
Why can only certain places see it?
During any solar eclipse, the moon’s shadow only hits a specific region of Earth. If you're in that region, you see the eclipse—if you're outside of it, you don't. The moon’s shadow will fall mainly over parts of the South Pacific for this year’s phenomenon. Elsewhere on Earth, including most of Asia, there simply will be no visible change in the sky.
Wherever you choose to observe it, by willingly traversing the globe or by being lucky enough to already be in the right place, this partial solar eclipse is a reminder of just how dynamic and beautiful our skies can be. And if you're planning to witness it in person, be sure to use certified solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes.
How often do you get to see the sun rise looking like a perfect crescent? These are five of the best locations to witness the 2025 “Equinox Eclipse”.
Antarctica
One of the most spectacular views is from Antarctica, despite not being the easiest destination to reach. The moon will cover up to 86 per cent of the sun in the Ross Sea region. Imagine a massive crescent sun rising over an icy, pristine horizon, watching at its most dramatic!
Australia
In Hobart, Tasmania, the eclipse will be more subtle with approximately 3 per cent of the sun covered after sunrise. It may not be the most dramatic showing, but for astronomy enthusiasts or curious onlookers in the area, it’s still a rare and worthwhile moment.
Fiji and Tonga
If you prefer your eclipses with warm weather and ocean views, Fiji and Tonga make for enticing options. The eclipse will be visible just after sunrise, though with slightly less coverage than in New Zealand. Still, the chance to see the day begin with a partially veiled sun while standing on a beach is something few will forget.
New Zealand
New Zealand is arguably the best place to experience this partial eclipse. In Dunedin, the sun will rise already partially obscured, up to 72 per cent coverage. The eclipse will peak roughly 40 minutes after sunrise, offering a dramatic start to the day. The eclipse will be slightly less pronounced in Auckland, at around 61 per cent, but still more than enough to create a memorable and photogenic morning. Bring your eclipse glasses and a camera.