Solar Eclipse Today: Will the US get a look? Here's what to know

A partial solar eclipse will take place on Sunday 21 September. However, people in the United States will not be able to see it. This rare event will only be visible in Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and a few small islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. What is a partial solar eclipse? A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the sun and the earth, blocking sunlight. In a total solar eclipse, the sun, moon and the earth rise perfectly and become a short time at night. In a partial solar eclipse, the alignment is not exactly, so the moon covers only part of the sun. According to USA Today, the sun will “look like a sickle during the coming partial eclipse”. People in the right regions will briefly see this unusual “bite sun” before the moon passes and the sun looks normal again. When will the eclipse occur? The partial eclipse starts on Sunday, September 21 at 1:29 pm, with the maximum eclipse at 15:41 ET. Since it will be in the Southern Hemisphere on Monday, the timing will differ by location. Viewers are advised to check schedules on reputable websites such as time and date. Can it be seen from the US? No. The eclipse will not be visible from the United States. For most Americans, the only way to experience it is through direct streams, videos and photos shared from regions where it can be seen. About 16 million people – just 0.2 percent of the world population – will be able to see it directly. How can it be watched safely? Experts warn: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection. Special eclipse glasses, sunkers or official live streams should be used. These precautions are essential to prevent serious eye damage.