A rare and stunning celestial event is set for this Saturday, March 29, as a partial solar eclipse will create the illusion of a “double sunrise” for early risers in the northeastern United States. This will be the only solar eclipse visible from the U.S. this year, offering a memorable sight for millions. The event occurs just two weeks after a total lunar eclipse, making it a special period for skywatchers.
A Sky Show for Nearly a Billion People
This partial solar eclipse is not just a local event. According to NASA, an estimated 814 million people across the globe will have the chance to see it. That’s almost 10% of the entire world’s population. During a partial eclipse, the Moon passes in front of the Sun but doesn’t completely cover it, leaving a bright crescent shape in the sky.
The eclipse will be visible across a vast area of the Northern Hemisphere. Viewers in parts of the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, and northern Asia will be able to witness the phenomenon. The spectacle will also be visible from Greenland, Iceland, the Arctic Ocean, and parts of South America.
Where to Find the Best Views
For those in the United States, the best and most dramatic views will be in coastal New England, where the eclipse will happen at sunrise. The amount of the Sun covered by the Moon will vary greatly depending on your location.
The further northeast you are, the more of the Sun will be blocked.
- Maine: Observers here will get the best show in the U.S., with up to 86% of the Sun eclipsed.
- New Hampshire: A significant 57% of the Sun will be obscured.
- Massachusetts: Viewers can expect to see around 55% of the Sun covered.
- New York City: The eclipse will reach a peak of 22% coverage.
- Philadelphia & Washington, D.C.: These cities will see a much smaller event, with 12% and 1% coverage, respectively.
Some lucky viewers in coastal northern Maine, as well as New Brunswick and Quebec in Canada, might see the Sun rise with “devil’s horns.” This happens when the Moon blocks the middle-bottom of the Sun, leaving two points of light sticking up over the horizon.
The Rare “Double Sunrise” Illusion
What makes this event truly special is the “double sunrise” phenomenon. This optical illusion occurs because the eclipse is happening at the exact moment the Sun is rising. Instead of a normal, round Sun appearing, it will rise with a piece already missing.
This creates the appearance of two separate peaks of light coming over the horizon. For a moment, it may look as if the Sun is rising twice. This rare sight is best viewed from coastal locations with a clear view of the eastern horizon, particularly in northern Maine and parts of eastern Canada.
Eclipse Viewing Times
The eclipse will begin before sunrise for viewers in the U.S. and Canada, so the main event will be visible as the Sun climbs into the sky. The exact timing depends on your city. NASA has provided a schedule for key locations in the eclipse path.
| City | Start Time | Peak Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Portland, ME | 6:27 AM | 64% at 7:10 AM |
| Boston, MA | 6:31 AM | 43% at 7:07 AM |
| New York, NY | 6:44 AM | 22% at 7:04 AM |
| Philadelphia, PA | 6:49 AM | 12% at 7:03 AM |
| Washington, D.C. | 6:56 AM | 1% at 7:01 AM |
Viewers in other parts of the world, like western Europe, will see the eclipse in the morning, while those in eastern Europe and northern Asia will experience it in the afternoon or evening.
Eye Safety is Your Top Priority
While incredible to watch, looking directly at a partial solar eclipse is extremely dangerous. Even when a large portion of the Sun is covered, the remaining light is intense enough to cause serious and permanent eye damage, including blindness.
You must use proper eye protection to view the eclipse safely. Regular sunglasses are not enough. You will need certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer. Alternatively, you can create a simple pinhole projector to cast an image of the Sun onto a surface. Unlike a total solar eclipse, there is no point during a partial eclipse when it is safe to look at the Sun without protection.
