Don't miss the partial solar eclipse Sept. 21! Where, when and how to see it

composite image of a partial solar eclipse showing the full sun in the middle surrounded by a circle of solar images during each stage of a partial solar eclipse.

Here's what you need to know to make the most of the partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, as the moon takes a 'bite' out of the sun. (Image credit: stqcb via Getty Images)

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What is a partial solar eclipse?
When will it happen?
Where will it happen?
How can I watch?
When is the next solar eclipse?

gif animation showing the path of the partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, 2025. — The path of the partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21, 2025. (Image credit: Fred Espenak and Michael Zeiler, licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Based on work at EclipseWise.com and GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

A partial solar eclipse is happening today (Sept. 21), offering skywatchers a chance to see the moon appear to take a "bite" out of the sun.

The eclipse begins at 1:29 p.m. EDT (1729 GMT), reaching maximum coverage at 3:41 p.m. EDT (1941 GMT). Exact visibility and timing depend on your location.

If you're unable to watch the September partial solar eclipse in person, don't worry, you can watch all the action unfold live here on Space.com, courtesy of Time and Date and keep up with the latest solar eclipse news and progress with our solar eclipse live blog.

What is a partial solar eclipse?

A partial solar eclipse occurs when the new moon passes between Earth and the sun, blocking a portion of the solar disk from view. It can look like the moon has taken a "bite" out of the sun.

From left to right, the sun appears as a black spot with a bright white light shining from behind, the second image shows a orange &quot;ring&quot; around the eclipses sun, and the third image looks like a crescent moon but it's the moon appearing to take a &quot;bite&quot; out of the sun. — From left to right, these images show a total solar eclipse, annular solar eclipse, and partial solar eclipse. (Image credit: Total eclipse (left): NASA/MSFC/Joseph Matus; annular eclipse (center): NASA/Bill Dunford; partial eclipse (right): NASA/Bill Ingalls)

When will it happen?

The exact timing of the eclipse depends on your location. Globally, it will begin at 1:29 p.m. EDT (1729 GMT), with the maximum eclipse phase — when the moon covers the largest portion of the sun — occurring at 3:41 p.m. EDT (1941 GMT).

Where will it happen?

This rare timing means the eclipse occurs on the doorstep of the September equinox, when the sun crosses the celestial equator, marking the start of spring in the Southern Hemisphere and fall in the north.

The "equinox eclipse" will bring up to 86% coverage across New Zealand, Antarctica and parts of the South Pacific.

How can I watch?

The partial solar eclipse can be viewed in person from locations within the path of the eclipse. Remember: It is NEVER safe to look directly at the sun during a partial solar eclipse without suitable eye protection. Make sure to use solar eclipse glasses or a solar filter for telescopes or binoculars. A pinhole projector is also a great option if you don't have specialized equipment, as you can easily make one with some basic items from around your house.

Our how to view the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar viewing and what to look out for on the surface of the sun!

And if you're unable to catch the solar eclipse in person, you can enjoy all the action from the comfort of your home here on Space.com.

When is the next solar eclipse?

After the Sept. 21 event, the next solar eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17, 2026. The "ring of fire" phase will only be visible from Antarctica, so more penguins than people will enjoy this particular solar spectacle!

Editor's note: If you snap a photo of the solar eclipse and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: community@space.com.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022 having previously worked for our sister publication All About Space magazine as a staff writer. Before joining us, Daisy completed an editorial internship with the BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre in Leicester, U.K., where she enjoyed communicating space science to the public. In 2021, Daisy completed a PhD in plant physiology and also holds a Master's in Environmental Science, she is currently based in Nottingham, U.K. Daisy is passionate about all things space, with a penchant for solar activity and space weather. She has a strong interest in astrotourism and loves nothing more than a good northern lights chase!

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