Partial solar eclipse on March 29 reveals sunspots

A partial solar eclipse will take place on March 29, 2025, in the Northern Hemisphere. During the eclipse, up to 94% of the sun will be covered by the moon. This event gives sky-watchers a chance to see sunspots, which are dark patches on the sun's surface. Sunspots can be quite large, even as big as Earth. They are caused by magnetic activity on the sun and help scientists understand its 11-year solar cycle. The current cycle reached a peak in sunspots around October 2024. Most sunspots recently have been in the sun’s southern hemisphere, but astronomers expect to see more in the northern hemisphere soon. To observe sunspots safely during the eclipse, viewers must use solar filters or certified solar eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses are not safe. Looking directly at the sun, even partially obscured, can cause serious eye damage. For those eager to view the sun before the eclipse, NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory offers current images. If you want to capture the eclipse in a photo, you can share your images with Space.com after the event.