On Saturday, March 29, the Moon will cover part of the Sun over Berlin and Brandenburg. This rare event, known as a partial solar eclipse, will be visible in the region. Several observatories and planetariums are hosting public events for those who want to witness it safely.
When Will the Solar Eclipse Happen?
According to the Stiftung Planetarium Berlin, the partial solar eclipse will begin at 11:32 a.m. At this time, the edge of the Moon will seem to touch the Sun. The peak of the eclipse will occur at 12:20 p.m., when 15.3% of the Sun will be covered. By 1:08 p.m., the event will end as the Moon moves away from the Sun.
Will the Weather Allow a Clear View?
Clouds may block the view of the eclipse in Berlin and Brandenburg. However, experts say there will be gaps in the clouds, allowing people to see the eclipse at certain moments. Those who cannot watch it in person can follow a LIVE stream of the event.
Safety First: Never Look at the Sun Without Protection
Astronomers and doctors warn against looking at the Sun without proper eye protection. Even during a partial eclipse, staring at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage in seconds. This risk is even higher if using a telescope or binoculars. To safely watch the eclipse, people should wear special solar eclipse glasses, which are available at optical stores. Regular sunglasses, tinted glass, and other homemade filters are not safe.
Best Places to Watch the Solar Eclipse in Berlin
Several locations in Berlin will offer safe viewing experiences:
- Archenhold Observatory in Treptower Park
- Wilhelm Foerster Observatory in Schöneberg
- Zeiss-Großplanetarium in Prenzlauer Berg
At the Zeiss-Großplanetarium, visitors can watch the eclipse outdoors or on a big screen indoors via a live stream.
Where to See the Eclipse in Brandenburg
As part of Astronomy Day, several locations in Brandenburg are organizing special events. Many of these are free to attend:
- Bernau Observatory
- Sternenfreunde Eberswalde (Astronomy Friends Eberswalde)
- Krausnick Observatory in Krausnick-Groß Wasserburg
- Einstein-Gymnasium Neuenhagen – Visitors can watch the eclipse through multiple telescopes and get photography assistance.
- Potsdam – Urania Planetarium and Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics
- Planetarium Herzberg – A special children’s session will explain how solar eclipses happen.
- Planetarium Frankfurt (Oder)
What Causes a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Earth, Moon, and Sun align. In a partial eclipse, the Moon blocks only a part of the Sun. This makes the Sun look like it has a bite taken out of it.
The next partial solar eclipse in Germany will take place on August 12, 2026. It will be much more dramatic, with nearly 85% of the Sun covered. This will be the biggest eclipse in Germany until August 2027.
