Where will the partial solar eclipse be visible on Sept. 21?

a graphic of a partial solar eclipse and a location marker below conveying the location of the partial solar eclipse. — The 'equinox eclipse' will bring up to 86% coverage across New Zealand, Antarctica and parts of the South Pacific. (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro by Daisy Dobrijevic)

Editor's note: The September 2025 partial solar eclipse put on a magnificent show as the moon swept over the face of our sun, darkening the sky over a swathe of the Pacific Ocean. Check out our wrap article to see the first images from the spectacular orbital ballet, as seen from the city of Dunedin, New Zealand

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)

The last solar eclipse of 2025 happens on Sept. 21, just one day before the equinox. The partial solar eclipse will be visible from New Zealand, Antarctica and the South Pacific.

Although not a total eclipse, this is a deep partial event, with the moon covering up to 86% of the sun! Southern New Zealand and Antarctic research stations will see the best views, whilst some Pacific islands will also get a show.

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.

Remember: it's never safe to look directly at the sun without certified solar eclipse glasses. Even during the partial phases, proper eye protection is essential. Space.com will also be livestreaming the Sept. 21 eclipse, with details announced closer to the event, and you can follow the latest updates in our partial solar eclipse live blog.

Antarctica

Marambio Base: 5% eclipse
Mario Zucchelli Station: 72% eclipse
McMurdo Station: 69% eclipse
Ross Ice Shelf: about 65% eclipse

Coverage decreases farther east — the Antarctic Peninsula will see only a 12% eclipse at sunset.

New Zealand

New Zealand offers the most accessible views. The eclipse will already be underway at sunrise, creating dramatic crescent-shaped dawns.

Auckland: 60% eclipse
Christchurch: 69%
Invercargill: 72%
Wellington: 66% eclipse

South Pacific

Island nations will see smaller eclipses, but still notable:

Tonga: 32% eclipse
Fiji: 27% eclipse
Cook Islands: 23% eclipse
Samoa: 17% eclipse

The Sept. 21 partial solar eclipse will be the last solar eclipse of 2025, offering dramatic views from New Zealand, Antarctica and across the South Pacific just before the equinox. Whether you're planning to watch in person or online, don't forget to check out our complete guide to photographing a solar eclipse and our recommendations for the best cameras for astrophotography to help you capture the moment safely and in style.

Daisy Dobrijevic joined Space.com in February 2022, having previously worked as a staff writer for All About Space magazine. She completed an editorial internship with BBC Sky at Night Magazine and worked at the National Space Centre, communicating space science to the public.

Daisy holds a PhD in plant physiology and a Master's in Environmental Science. Based in Nottingham, U.K., she covers all things space, with a special focus on solar activity and space weather. She also has a keen interest in astrotourism and is always on the lookout for the next northern lights adventure.

She will be a guest speaker aboard HX's Solar Eclipse Expedition in August 2026 and will join Hurtigruten as an onboard astronomer for a northern lights sailing in January 2027.