As the seasons shift, the UAE will witness the March equinox on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. This celestial event marks the moment when day and night are nearly equal in duration, symbolizing the transition into spring in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Emirates Astronomy Society, on this day, daylight and nighttime will each last exactly 12 hours from sunrise to sunset.
The arrival of the equinox signifies the beginning of longer and warmer days across the region. With spring setting in, temperatures are expected to gradually rise, paving the way for the UAE’s summer months. Conversely, the autumn season will commence in September, bringing shorter days once again, as per the Emirates Astronomy Society.
Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society and a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, recently discussed major upcoming astronomical events with the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Among them, two celestial phenomena stand out: a total lunar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse.
One of the most anticipated sky events of 2025 is the total lunar eclipse occurring on the night of March 14, 2025. The eclipse will last from 05:09 to 08:48 UTC and will coincide with the full moon. However, while this phenomenon will be visible across the Americas, it will not be seen in the UAE or the Arabian Peninsula.
For sky-watchers in the Americas, this lunar event will be a stunning spectacle, offering a blood moon effect as Earth’s shadow completely covers the moon. Interestingly, the eclipse will take place in the middle of Ramadan, adding cultural and spiritual significance for those following the lunar calendar.
Later in March, a partial solar eclipse will take place on March 29, 2025, aligning with the birth of the new crescent moon for Shawwal. The moon will be born at 14:58 UAE time, while the partial eclipse will be visible in northeastern North America, parts of Europe, and the North Pole.
Unfortunately, this event will not be visible in the UAE or the Arabian Peninsula, but astronomy enthusiasts can follow live streams or international coverage to witness this rare occurrence.
While these celestial events may not be directly visible in the UAE, they serve as a reminder of the ever-changing cosmic cycles that shape our world. The arrival of spring will bring longer, sunnier days and warmer temperatures, signaling the transition towards the summer months.
Stay tuned to iknowuae.com for more updates on astronomy, weather, and seasonal changes in the UAE!