Partial Solar Eclipse Visible Across Germany Depending on Cloud Cover

This Saturday afternoon, Germany will witness a partial solar eclipse as the moon partially obscures the sun. The visibility of this celestial event largely depends on the weather conditions across the country.

The eclipse is expected to be observable throughout Germany and Switzerland, with varying degrees of coverage. In northern regions such as Hamburg and Rostock, approximately 20% of the sun will be obscured. Observers can expect the maximum coverage around 12:15 PM, with the entire event lasting about 90 minutes.

In celebration of the occurrence, March 29 has been designated as Astronomy Day. Various observatories, planetariums, and research institutions will host special events coordinated by the Association of Star Friends. A dedicated website provides a map of activities available on Saturday. Some events will also include observations of Jupiter's moons, which can be seen with small telescopes. However, the main focus will be on the solar eclipse. Notably, the eclipse will not result in a total blackout anywhere on Earth, but Greenland will experience the highest level of coverage, leaving only a narrow crescent of sunlight visible.

Experts emphasize the importance of using proper eye protection when observing the eclipse. Even a brief exposure can cause damage to the retina. It is recommended to use special eclipse glasses available at opticians, ensuring they are not damaged. Ordinary sunglasses, darkened glass, or other improvised filters are inadequate and can be harmful. Alternatively, viewers can project the sun's crescent using binoculars or project the image onto a surface using paper.

This upcoming partial solar eclipse is not the last for the year; another will occur in late September over the South Pacific and New Zealand. A significantly larger eclipse is anticipated on August 12, 2026, when approximately 90% of the sun will be obscured in Germany. This event will result in a total eclipse in locations such as Iceland and various cities in Spain, though viewing may be hampered by the late hour. During totality, observers in those areas could witness the solar corona, offering a vastly different experience from a partial eclipse.