The solar eclipse of March 29 is one of the most anticipated astronomical shows of the year. But will we have the chance to admire the phenomenon of “devil’s horns”?
The day of March 29, 2025 promises to be memorable for the curious and passionate about astronomy since we will witness a partial solar eclipse. Spectacular and captivating event, the latter may well reserve an equally striking surprise. During a solar eclipse, it happens that we observe the appearance of two immense glowing horns in the sky. Nicknamed “Devil horns”, will these impressive light formations be visible during the eclipse of March 29, 2025?
This “Devil’s Horns” Sunrise was captured in Qatar Last Month During a Partial Eclipse.
Image Credits: Elias CHASIOTIS, With Special Thanks to Nasa’s Astronomy Picture of the Day Website where they were first featured, and its editor, Dr Robert J. Nemiroff. pic.twitter.com/2ewqxvfxx6
– Iflscience (@iflscience) January 15, 2020
If the “devil’s horns” are not systematically invited during solar eclipses, a condition is imperative for the phenomenon to manifest: the eclipse must coincide with the sunrise or sunset. Indeed, to form horns, the moon must hide the upper part of the sun while the earth masks its lower part. It is this particular configuration that gives birth to two forms evoking the light horns of a devil in the sky. The event schedule is therefore crucial to have a chance to live this amazing experience.
This illusion of “devil’s horns” could be seen from other countries and partially on our territory provided that the weather is on our side. In France, the eclipse of March 29 will take place in the middle of the day, around noon depending on the regions. The sun will therefore be high in the sky, which limits the probabilities of appearance of the devil’s horns.
However, a thin hope remains thanks to the weather. Indeed, if clouds came to position themselves just at the base of the sun during the eclipse, it is possible that the phenomenon takes place. However, this chance remains minimal and it is very likely that it does not happen. Other regions of the world will be more lucky than us, such as Maine, New Brunswick in the United States or Quebec City in Canada from which residents can admire the horns of the devil.
You can enjoy the eclipse without telescope or binoculars but do not forget to equip yourself with approved glasses before looking up towards the sun. Indeed, observing our star directly can cause irreparable damage to the retina. If you are lucky to see the “devil’s horns” and want to photograph them, be quick! The phenomenon will only last a few moments.