It’s dawn, the birds are chirping, and the mist is dissipating—revealing a sun that looks strangely like a crescent moon. That’s the scene folks in New Zealand will wake up to on the morning of September 22, 2025, when a partial solar eclipse coincides with sunrise. Up to 86% of the solar disk will be obscured depending on the viewing location, creating that unique crescent sunrise. This event is the final solar eclipse of the year—the next one will occur on Feb. 17, 2026. Below, everything to know about the partial solar eclipse of September 2025.
What is a partial solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes directly between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow onto our planet. During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun and darkens the skies in the path of totality. But during a partial eclipse, the moon only blocks part of the solar surface. As such, the sun will appear as if a bite has been taken out of it.
While partial solar eclipses don’t produce the eerie daytime darkness that total eclipses are famous for, they can still be quite exciting to see—particularly when they coincide with sunrise or sunset, as is the case this month. The key is to don the appropriate eye protection so you can clearly see that crescent shape.
When and where can I see the eclipse?
Unfortunately, this eclipse will only be visible from a few populated areas. Maximum coverage will occur largely over the Southern Ocean between New Zealand and Antarctica, as well as part of East Antarctica. Substantial coverage will be visible across New Zealand, some South Pacific nations, and more of Antarctica, while eastern Australia and Tasmania will catch only the tiniest bit of the show.
New Zealand is undoubtedly the standout destination for this eclipse (unless you happen to be working in Antarctica). Across the country, viewers will see the sun rise already partially eclipsed, with as much as 72% of the disk covered at maximum on the South Island and up to 66% on the North Island.
As for timing, the eclipse begins at 17:29 UTC and ends at 21:53 UTC on September 21, with the maximum coverage lasting from 19:41 to 19:43 UTC. If you’re within the path of the eclipse—you can check on sites like Time and Date to see what’s visible from your location—be sure to convert UTC to your local time. For the majority of destinations where the eclipse will be visible, this translates to the early morning of September 22.
How can I watch the partial solar eclipse safely?
Unlike lunar eclipses, which you can view with the naked eye, solar eclipses require protective eyewear or specialized filters for binoculars and telescopes. Never look directly at the sun without certified solar eclipse glasses—ordinary sunglasses won’t work. If you look directly at the sun without protection, you can permanently damage your vision. Alternatively, you use indirect viewing methods to see solar eclipses, such as a pinhole projector.
