A truly special celestial event is on the horizon this weekend, as a partial solar eclipse beautifully aligns with September’s equinox. Those awake early in New Zealand, Antarctica, and various parts of the South Pacific will be treated to a stunning sight: a ribbon of sunlight, shaped like a crescent, emerging from the horizon on Sunday, September 21, 2025. While it won’t be as dark as a total eclipse, witnessing the sun partially hidden so close to the horizon promises an unforgettable spectacle. Millions of penguins in Antarctica, alongside a fortunate few thousand human skywatchers, will share in the wonder of this “equinox eclipse.”
New Zealand and Antarctica Offer Best Views of This Rare Crescent Sunrise Eclipse
According to astronomical reports, the eclipse will unfold between 1:29 p.m. and 5:53 p.m. EDT (17:29–21:53 UTC) on September 21st, which translates to sunrise on September 22nd for observers in New Zealand and Antarctica. The quality of the view will vary significantly along the path of the moon’s shadow as it moves across our solar system. In New Zealand, specifically from cities like Dunedin and Auckland, the sun’s disk will be up to 72% obscured. Other locations across the island nation will still experience a partial, though less dramatic, occultation. The most profound obscuration, nearing a total eclipse, will be visible over Antarctica’s Ross Sea. Meanwhile, islands like Fiji and Tonga will also experience partial eclipses, with differing degrees of sun coverage.
Even in Hobart, Australia, a small 3% eclipse will be observable. Spectators there will need to use protective eyewear to safely enjoy the event, attracting visitors who have traveled to witness this rare occurrence.
Looking ahead, the next significant solar eclipse is scheduled for February 17, 2026. This will be an annular eclipse, famed for creating a dazzling “ring of fire” in the sky. However, this magnificent display will primarily be visible from the remote regions of Antarctica, meaning penguins will once again have the premier vantage points for this cosmic show.