The Gibraltar Astronomical Society says the Partial Solar Eclipse this Saturday is a precursor to the Total Solar Eclipse we shall observe on the 2nd August 2027 from Gibraltar.

A statement from Gibraltar Astronomical Society follows below:

A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Gibraltar on Saturday 29th March 2025.This event occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the Sun's disk. In Gibraltar, the eclipse will be visible as a partial eclipse, meaning the Moon will cover only a portion of the Sun, not resulting in totality.

The eclipse will take place during the morning hours in Gibraltar. While exact timings can vary slightly depending on the specific location within Gibraltar, the partial eclipse is expected to begin around 10:41 am, reach its maximum around 11:30am, and end by approximately 12:21 pm. At its peak, the Moon will obscure a noticeable fraction of the Sun, roughly, 17% though this percentage can vary slightly based on precise viewing coordinates.

Since this is a Partial Solar Eclipse, the Sun will never be completely blocked, and it will remain unsafe to look at directly without proper eye protection, such as certified solar eclipse glasses or a safe solar viewer. Alternatively, you can use an indirect method, like a pinhole projector, to observe the event safely.

This eclipse will be visible across a broad region, including much of Europe, North America, northern Asia, and parts of Africa, though the degree of obscuration and timing will differ by location. In Gibraltar’s case, it is a midmorning event, making it relatively accessible for viewing if the weather cooperates, cloud cover could obscure the sight, so clear skies are ideal.

If you are in Gibraltar, popular viewing spots like the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, or sea-level locations, such as Eastern Beach Catalan Bay or Europa Point, could offer good vantage points, provided you have the right equipment and safety measures in place. Enjoy the spectacle, and stay safe while observing!