A solar eclipse 2025, also known as Surya Grahan, happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking sunlight from reaching Earth. Sometimes, the sun gets completely covered, and other times, only part of it is blocked. It’s a rare and amazing event that people around the world get excited to see. In the past, solar eclipses made people both curious and scared. Many cultures, including India, created stories and beliefs around eclipses. Some saw them as signs of bad luck, while others believed they were powerful moments for prayer and reflection.

In 2025, India will witness two solar eclipses—one in March and another in September. These events are exciting for people who love space and hold special spiritual meaning for many Indians.

The first eclipse will happen on March 29, 2025, and it will be a partial eclipse. This means the Moon will cover only a part of the Sun, making it look like a chunk is missing.

The second eclipse will occur on September 21, 2025, and it will be an annular eclipse. This happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun but is too far from Earth to completely block the Sun. As a result, the sun looks like a bright ring around the moon—this stunning sight is called the “Ring of Fire.”

While scientists study eclipses to learn more about space, many people in India continue to follow traditional customs during these times, like fasting, praying, and taking a bath after the eclipse ends. Whether you see it as a scientific wonder or a spiritual event, both eclipses are sure to be memorable moments.

Apart from being visually stunning, solar eclipses are also scientifically important. They give astronomers a rare chance to study the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, and observe other cosmic phenomena. For many people, solar eclipses also remain a time of spiritual reflection and cultural practices, such as fasting, bathing, and praying.

What are the different types of solar eclipses?

There are four main types of solar eclipses, each looking a bit different from the others:

  1. Total solar eclipse: This happens when the Moon completely blocks the Sun. For a few minutes, it gets dark like night, and you can see the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona—it looks like a glowing halo. But only people standing in the path of totality (a narrow strip on Earth) can see the full blackout.
  2. Partial solar eclipse: In this type, the moon covers only a part of the sun, making it look like someone took a bite out of it. It doesn’t get fully dark, but the sun looks like a crescent.
  3. Annular solar eclipse: This happens when the Moon is farther from Earth and looks smaller than the Sun. Because of this, it doesn’t block the sun completely. Instead, it leaves a bright ring around the edges—known as the “Ring of Fire.”
  4. Hybrid solar eclipse: This is the rarest type. It changes between a total and an annular eclipse, depending on where you’re watching from. Some places see the sun fully covered (total eclipse), while others see the Ring of Fire (annular eclipse).

When are the solar eclipses in 2025, and will they be visible in India?

The first solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on March 29, starting at 4:50 AM EDT (2:20 PM IST), reaching its peak at 6:47 AM EDT (4:17 PM IST), and ending around 8:43 AM EDT. Unfortunately, this eclipse won’t be visible from India. However, astronomy lovers can watch live streams provided by space agencies like NASA or ISRO.

The second solar eclipse will take place on September 21, and it will be an annular eclipse. This will create the beautiful “Ring of Fire” effect in the sky. However, this eclipse, too, won’t be visible from India. Still, space enthusiasts can follow live coverage online.

Astrological beliefs and precautions around solar eclipses

In India, solar eclipses are connected to astrology and religion. Many people believe that eclipses disturb the balance of cosmic energy, so they follow special rituals to stay safe from any bad effects. One common practice is to avoid eating or drinking during the eclipse. People believe that harmful energy or radiation could affect the food and water during this time.

People also chant powerful prayers like the Gayatri Mantra and the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, thinking these mantras can protect them from negative energy. Many take a bath before and after the eclipse to clean their body and soul. Temples often stay closed, and religious ceremonies are put on hold until the eclipse is over. These traditions have been followed for generations, blending faith with the wonder of this rare event.

Pregnant women are often advised to stay indoors and avoid sharp objects like knives and scissors. According to traditional beliefs, exposure to the eclipse could harm the unborn child. Although these beliefs have been passed down for generations, modern science explains that eclipses are natural events and have no harmful effects on human health.

How can you safely watch a solar eclipse?

Watching a solar eclipse is exciting, but looking at the sun without proper protection can badly hurt your eyes. Even if the sun is partly covered, its rays are still very strong. This can cause a condition called solar retinopathy, where the rays burn the back of your eye (the retina), and it might lead to permanent blindness.

To keep your eyes safe during a solar eclipse, never look directly at the sun—even when it’s mostly covered. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, won’t protect you. Instead, use special eclipse glasses that meet international safety standards (ISO 12312-2). Don’t use homemade filters like tinted glass, X-ray films, or smoked glass because they can’t block harmful rays properly. If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a simple pinhole projector.

This lets you see the sun’s image safely on a surface without looking directly at it. Another safe option is to watch live streams from reliable sources like NASA or ISRO. By following these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of a solar eclipse without risking your eyesight. Whether you view it for its scientific wonder or cultural significance, safety should always come first.

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