First solar eclipse of 2025 to occur today

Skywatchers in several regions prepare for a rare celestial moment

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The first solar eclipse of 2025 will occur today, Saturday, though it will not be visible from Pakistan, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

The eclipse will begin at 1:51pm Pakistan Standard Time and is expected to conclude at 5:44pm, the department said in a statement. However, the event will only be observable in certain parts of the world.

Viewers in Europe, West Africa, North America, and the Atlantic region will have a chance to witness the eclipse in varying degrees, depending on their location.

This celestial event marks the first solar eclipse of the year and has generated interest among astronomers and space enthusiasts across the globe.

The second solar eclipse of the year is set to take place on the night between September 21 and 22.

Like the first, this eclipse will also be partial.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, partially or completely blocking sunlight, according to the BBC.

The extent to which the Sun is covered determines the type of eclipse visible.

Observers are reminded to take proper safety measures when viewing such astronomical events.

Looking directly at the Sun without protection, even during a partial eclipse, can lead to serious eye injuries, including permanent blindness.

To safely observe the eclipse, specially designed solar viewing glasses should be used. These glasses block harmful ultraviolet rays and reduce the Sun’s brightness to safe levels.