Skywatchers in India miss final solar eclipse of year

The last solar eclipse of 2025 was seen on the night of September 21 and stretched into the early hours of September 22, offering skywatchers across parts of the Southern Hemisphere a final celestial spectacle for the year.

This was a partial solar eclipse, when the moon only partially covered the sun, creating an eerie dimming effect. In India, however, people were unable to witness the event as it occurred well past sunset and the path of the eclipse did not cross the subcontinent.

The eclipse began at 10:59 pm (IST) on Sunday, reached its maximum phase at 1:11 am on Monday, and ended at 3:23 am. Those in regions such as Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and some parts of the South Pacific were able to experience it directly.

In certain locations, like southern New Zealand and Antarctica, the moon covered as much as 85 per cent of the solar disc, producing striking views for observers equipped with proper gear.

Partial eclipses offer opportunities for scientists to study the interplay of sunlight and the moon’s shadow on earth, while also serving as a reminder of the precise cosmic alignment that makes eclipses possible. For the general public, such events often spark cultural and religious conversations. In India, many traditions consider eclipses significant, but because this one was not visible in the region, observances such as the Sutak Kaal, a period of ritual restrictions, were not applicable.

This was the second and final solar eclipse of the year, closing the cycle of celestial events for the year 2025. While skywatchers in India missed out this time, the country will have opportunities to witness future eclipses, including ones in the coming decade that promise both partial and total views.