There's a partial solar eclipse visible from the UK this Saturday, 29 March 2025, and in this guide we'll show you how to photograph it.
Solar eclipses visible from the UK are relatively infrequent events.
Add in unpredictable weather and you could almost class seeing one as quite a rare occurrence.
Let’s hope the weather is kind for the partial solar eclipse happening on 29 March, as a fairly decent amount of the Sun’s disc will be covered by the Moon.
Why you should photograph the eclipse
First, a word on safety. You should never look at the Sun directly with the naked eye or any unfiltered optical instruments.
While a partial isn’t a patch on a total solar eclipse, there’s plenty to focus on that can elevate a partial eclipse photographically.
For the 29 March 2025 partial solar eclipse, there’s another important factor to take on board, that we’re at the predicted peak of Solar Cycle 25.
This means there’s a likelihood that sunspots will be visible on the Sun’s surface, its photosphere.
Also, for those with hydrogen-alpha filters, there’s a good chance that plenty of chromospheric detail will be on view, as well as a number of prominences.
Images of the partially eclipsed Sun during solar minimum, when there is little or no activity happening, generally simply look like a bright circle with a bite taken out of it.
With sunspots and prominences available, the scene takes on a new level of interest and, given steady conditions, can be used to produce some very dramatic images indeed.
Sunspots visible on a partial solar eclipse. Credit: John Chumack, Dayton, Ohio, USA, 14 October 2023
Sunspots visible on a partial solar eclipse. Credit: John Chumack, Dayton, Ohio, USA, 14 October 2023
Best of all, if you’re used to imaging the Sun when there’s no eclipse taking place, there’s very little you need to do to adjust your working method.
Although we can’t accurately predict how many prominences will appear and where they’ll be, or indeed whether there will be any at all, the very fact that we’re at solar maximum means there’s a heightened probability of seeing some solar action.
Photographically, this is important.
Partial solar eclipse captured by Tomás Slovinsky, Atacama, Chile, 30 April 2022
Partial solar eclipse captured by Tomás Slovinsky, Atacama, Chile, 30 April 2022
Equipment and techniques for photographing the eclipse
For high-frame-rate photographs of the 29 March partial solar eclipse, whether in white light, hydrogen-alpha or through another type of narrowband solar filter, the biggest concern is capture time.
Take too long and the edge of the Moon may appear blurred due to its apparent motion across the Sun’s disc.
And what if you don’t have expensive kit?
Well, if you have the means to take a photograph, say using a smartphone, there are still ways you can capture the eclipse.
By using the principle of pinhole projection, it’s possible to create a miniature version of the eclipse using nothing more than a couple of bits of card.
eclipse pinhole projection
Of course, you don’t need to stop at a single projection hole either.
Why not apply your full creativity to recording the event in an unusual and potentially unique manner?
Smart scopes that function as imaging devices are now popular and many come with solar filters that can be slipped into position to allow the scope to safely view and image the Sun.
With so many different options available, there’s a method for recording the upcoming partial solar eclipse that should suit anyone.
Just keep your fingers crossed for decent weather!
What you'll need
Telescope
Camera or smartphone
Solar filter
Card
Colander
Tea strainer or similar
Photograph the 29 March solar eclipse, step-by-step
Step 1
Photograph 29 March 2025 solar eclipse step 01
If you’re using a telescope to observe the partial solar eclipse, a full-aperture certified white-light solar filter can reduce the Sun’s light to a safe level for imaging.
A short-focal-length scope will allow you to see all, or a decent portion, of the Sun’s disc in one view. If you have one, a mono camera works best, especially if it’s fitted with a green or red filter.
Step 2
Photograph 29 March 2025 solar eclipse step 02
Take short sequences to avoid motion blur on the Moon’s edge; how long depends on focal length used, but try 5–10 seconds. Or, if using a DSLR or similar, take single frames.
If seeing conditions are poor, stacked high-frame-rate sequences will be sharper, but you can stack single frames too. Avoid over-exposure.
Step 3
Photograph 29 March 2025 solar eclipse step 03
If using a narrowband filter, eg for hydrogen-alpha imaging, set up as you would normally. Identify cardinal directions.
Sites like the Global Oscillation Network Group provide near real-time images orientated with north up, east to the left. Consider whether any solar prominences may be hidden over the course of the eclipse.
Step 4
Photograph 29 March 2025 solar eclipse step 04
Plan how you want the final image sequence to pan out and how many captures or stills to take. Avoid unrealistic sequences that tie you to your camera.
Instead, identify interesting positions of the Moon relative to features on or around the Sun’s disc and focus on capturing shots when the Moon’s edge is near those.
Step 5
Each hole in this decorative tea strainer acts like a projection pinhole, producing a tiny image of the eclipsed Sun
Make pinhole images using a tea strainer or a 1–2mm hole in a piece of card to project an image of the Sun onto white paper. Increase the distance between the hole and the screen to make the projected Sun bigger.
A smartphone can capture the changes as the eclipse progresses. There’s a chance to be creative here!
Step 6
Photograph 29 March 2025 solar eclipse step 06
Many smart scopes come with a solar filter. This must be manually applied before pointing the device at the Sun. You can then centre the Sun and watch or image the eclipse via your phone.
As well as taking still captures, you could capture film or, perhaps more watchable, a timelapse sequence. Make sure that nothing in the foreground will block the view as the eclipse progresses.
If you photograph the partial solar eclipse of 29 March 2025, share your images with us by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com