This Saturday, March 29, the first solar eclipse of 2025 will take place., an astronomical event eagerly awaited by millions of people around the world. During the phenomenon, the Moon will interpose itself between the Sun and Earth, creating a partial eclipse visible across large regions of the planet. In Spain, the spectacle can be observed for almost two hours, reaching its peak around 11:40 a.m. in the Iberian Peninsula and a few minutes earlier in the Canary Islands. For more information on which countries will be able to witness the phenomenon, please visit this link.
Witnessing an eclipse is a fascinating experience, but it's important to do so with proper precautions to avoid eye damage. There are glasses specially designed for this type of event that have filters that protect the eyes from solar radiation. Without these glasses, looking directly at the sun, even when it's partially covered, can cause irreversible retinal damage.
Where and when will this eclipse be visible?
The solar eclipse of March 29 will span various areas of the world., beginning in the North Atlantic at dawn and concluding in northeast Asia in the late afternoon. In Europe, northeast Africa, Greenland, parts of the Arctic, and parts of North America and eastern Russia, a partial darkening of the Sun will be visible. To learn more about solar eclipses, see this article.
En SpainThe eclipse will last almost two hours, with its peak on the Iberian Peninsula around 11:40 a.m. In the Canary Islands, due to their latitude, the peak will be just after 10:XNUMX a.m. Depending on the location, the percentage of the solar disk covered will vary, but generally it will be approximately one-third.
How to safely observe an eclipse?
Using approved eclipse glasses is the only safe way to view a solar eclipse.These glasses comply with ISO 12312-2 and must have the European certification seal (CE) or the equivalent in the country of purchase. Ordinary sunglasses, X-rays, tinted glass, or other homemade methods should not be used, as they do not block ultraviolet and infrared rays, which can cause severe eye damage. If you'd like to learn more about viewing a solar eclipse, visit this guide.
In addition, it is recommended do not look at the sun for a long time, but in short intervals of just a few seconds, pausing between each observation, even when wearing suitable glasses.
Where to buy eclipse glasses?
Eclipse glasses are relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from 3,95 and 8,90 euros per unit. In Spain, they can be purchased at Specialized stores, official points of sale and online storesThere are also astronomical associations that distribute them to the public, often as part of observation activities organized for the day of the eclipse.
, so make sure you're prepared for this and future events.
Alternative ways to view the eclipse without looking directly at the Sun
If you don't have approved glasses, a safe option is to observe the eclipse indirectly. This can be done by projections with the principle of the camera obscuraSimply make a small hole in a piece of cardboard and let sunlight pass through to project the image onto a flat surface.
Another method is to observe the natural projection of the Sun on the ground through the gaps between the leaves of trees, which generate multiple images of the eclipse. You can also use a colander or the interlaced shadows of your fingers to achieve the same effect.
Why is it dangerous to watch an eclipse without protection?
Solar radiation can cause solar retinopathy, a condition in which retinal cells are irreversibly damaged. Since the retina lacks pain receptors, the person suffering from this damage doesn't notice it immediately; symptoms may appear hours or days later, manifesting as blurred vision, dark spots, or even permanent loss of central vision.
Eclipse observation is a fascinating topic, and knowing the risks is essential to enjoying these astronomical spectacles.
Use of telescopes, binoculars and mobile phones
While it is possible to observe the eclipse with telescopes and cameras, these devices must have special sun filtersUsing them without protection worsens eye damage, as they amplify light and can overheat the device's internal components. There's also a risk of fire if not used properly.
To take photographs of the eclipse with a mobile phone, it is essential to use a security filter, since the intensity of the Sun can affect both the camera sensor and the observer's vision.
The solar eclipse this Saturday, March 29, will be a fascinating astronomical event and a unique opportunity to contemplate the majesty of the cosmos. It's essential to take appropriate precautions to protect your eyes and enjoy the phenomenon safely. With approved glasses or using indirect observation methods, anyone can experience this safely.
