By Daisy Dobrijevic

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.

Jump to:

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

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.

You may like

• What to expect from each stage of the partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21

• A partial solar eclipse is coming: 1 month until the moon takes a 'bite' out of the sun

• 1 week to go until the moon takes a ‘bite’ out of the sun during partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21

Click here for more Space.com videos...

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, 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).

Read more: What time is the partial solar eclipse on Sept. 21?

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.

Get the Space.com Newsletter

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

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

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

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.