Sky watchers across the globe are preparing for a spectacular sight as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has announced a partial solar eclipse for the night of September 21-22. This event, however, will not be visible to observers in Pakistan. According to the Climate Data Processing Centre of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the eclipse will begin at 10:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time on September 21, peak at 12:42 am, and end by 2:54 am. Despite these timings, the celestial show will remain out of sight from anywhere in the country.
Nasa has explained that a partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth but does not align perfectly, which leaves only a crescent portion of the Sun visible. This particular eclipse will be observable from parts of Australia, Antarctica, and across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, offering those regions a chance to experience one of the year’s most anticipated sky events. Pakistan’s absence from the viewing zone means astronomy enthusiasts will have to rely on online streams or international coverage to witness the phenomenon.
This marks the second major celestial occurrence in September, following a total lunar eclipse on September 7-8 that captivated sky watchers worldwide. Adding to the month’s list of astronomical highlights, the September equinox arrives on September 22, when day and night are nearly equal across the globe. These events together underscore an unusually active month for those interested in space and sky observation.
Looking further ahead, Nasa has already outlined other major eclipses coming in the next few years. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of North America is scheduled for August 12, 2026, crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small portion of Portugal. On that same date, a partial eclipse will be visible across large portions of North America, Europe, Africa, and the Atlantic, Arctic, and Pacific Oceans. An annular eclipse is also set for February 17, 2026, which will be visible from parts of Antarctica with a partial eclipse over Africa, South America, and multiple oceans.
Nasa has reiterated its warning to never look directly at the Sun without appropriate protective eyewear. Observing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter can result in immediate and severe eye injury. For those in Pakistan who cannot view the event directly, this caution serves as a reminder for safe practices whenever future eclipses become visible in the region.
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