On Saturday, March 29, residents of Berlin and Brandenburg will witness a partial solar eclipse, where about 15% of the sun will be covered by the moon. This rare astronomical event will be visible across the region, and various public viewing events will be held for enthusiasts.
What is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon covers only part of the sun. In Berlin and Brandenburg, the event will begin at 11:32 AM, according to the Stiftung Planetarium Berlin. During this time, it will appear as if the edge of the moon is touching the sun. The peak of the eclipse will occur at 12:20 PM, when the moon will cover a maximum of 15.3% of the sun. The event will end by 1:08 PM.
Weather Conditions: Cloudy Skies May Obscure the View
While Berlin and Brandenburg are expected to experience some cloud cover, there will still be moments when the clouds break, offering clear views of the eclipse. Experts suggest that it is not entirely impossible to see the solar eclipse through these occasional gaps in the clouds. For those who cannot get a clear view due to weather, a live stream of the event will be available for public viewing.
Safety First: Protect Your Eyes During the Eclipse
Looking at a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause irreversible damage to the retina. Experts strongly advise against looking directly at the eclipse with the naked eye, and even using binoculars or a telescope without a solar filter is extremely dangerous. The damage to your eyes can happen in mere seconds.
To safely observe the eclipse, you should use specialized “eclipse glasses” that are designed to filter out harmful solar radiation. These glasses are available from opticians and various retailers. Regular sunglasses, smoked glass, or other makeshift filters will not provide adequate protection and can lead to severe eye damage.
Where to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Berlin
Several locations in Berlin will host public viewing events for the partial solar eclipse. The Stiftung Planetarium Berlin has organized a special themed day to mark the occasion. These are some of the key spots in Berlin where you can watch the eclipse:
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Archenhold Observatory in Treptower Park
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Wilhelm-Foerster Observatory in Schöneberg
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Zeiss-Großplanetarium in Prenzlauer Berg. At the Zeiss-Großplanetarium, visitors can view the eclipse outdoors, or watch a live stream in the planetarium’s cinema and foyer.
These locations will also provide opportunities for discussions about the science behind solar eclipses, with experts on hand to explain the phenomenon and answer questions.
Watching the Eclipse in Brandenburg
Brandenburg will also be hosting a number of public viewing events, many of which are free of charge. Among the locations offering eclipse viewings and related activities are:
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Sternwarte in Bernau bei Berlin
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Sternenfreunde Eberswalde
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Sternwarte Krausnick in Krausnick-Groß Wasserburg
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Einstein-Gymnasium Neuenhagen in Neuenhagen, where telescopes will be set up for public use.
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Urania Planetarium and Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics in Potsdam
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Planetarium Herzberg, which will host an event explaining the eclipse to children, making it an excellent option for families.
In addition to watching the eclipse, there will be presentations and talks on the science of solar eclipses. Brandenburg’s local planetariums, such as the one in Frankfurt/Oder, will also have events designed for younger audiences, with special educational content about the solar system and eclipses.
The Science Behind a Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, blocking part of the sun’s light. During a partial solar eclipse, the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun is not perfect, so the moon only covers a portion of the sun’s disk. Although this particular eclipse will be partial, it still provides an exciting opportunity for astronomers and enthusiasts alike to observe the changing appearance of the sun.
This is a perfect chance to learn more about how eclipses happen and why they are so rare. The next partial solar eclipse visible in Germany will take place on August 12, 2026, and during that event, about 85% of the sun will be covered.
More Tips for Viewing a Solar Eclipse
If you plan to watch the eclipse, remember that it’s crucial to never look directly at the sun without proper protection, especially during an eclipse. The sun’s rays can be very harmful, and without eclipse glasses or a specialized filter, even a brief glance at the sun can cause permanent eye damage.
Additionally, while this eclipse may seem like a short event, it is an important reminder of the powerful forces of nature that exist beyond our planet. It’s also a time for people to come together to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience of observing such an extraordinary celestial occurrence.
For those who want to follow the eclipse online, a live stream will be available, so no one has to miss out, regardless of their location or weather conditions.
The partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025, is a rare and exciting event for the people of Berlin and Brandenburg. Whether you’re an avid astronomy fan or simply curious about the science behind it, this is a chance to witness the wonders of the universe up close. Remember to take the necessary precautions when observing the eclipse, and be sure to check out the public events in your area for a safe and educational experience.
