The partial solar eclipse on 29 March 2025

On Saturday, 29 March 2025, a partial solar eclipse can be observed at lunchtime, during which up to 23% of the Sun will be covered by the Moon in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, the Moon and the Earth align on a straight line and the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. The Moon's umbra does not touch the Earth's surface during the eclipse from 29 March 2025, so it is not total anywhere on Earth. Maximum coverage is reached over Greenland and Newfoundland. From there, only a narrow crescent remains of the Sun.

From continental Europe on the other hand, the Sun appears “nibbled”. How much of the Sun is covered by the Moon and how long the eclipse lasts depends on where you are observing from. In general: The further west and north you are, the greater the degree of coverage. While only about 5% of the Sun is eclipsed in Vienna, 23% are reached at the mouth of the Ems and on the island of Sylt.

The time of maximum coverage in the German-speaking area is between 12:05 CET in western Switzerland and 12:22 CET on the island of Usedom. In general: The further east and north you are, the later it will happen. Overall, the eclipse lasts about 90 minutes, so it begins about 45 minutes earlier and then ends about 45 minutes later.

On this occasion, more than 150 astronomical institutions and dedicated amateur astronomers from all over Germany, Austria and Switzerland are inviting you participate in their National Astronomy Day. The Haus der Astronomie in Heidelberg is also taking part with events and observations.