On the morning of Saturday, March 29th, 2025, a rare and extraordinary celestial phenomenon occurred—a “double sunrise” solar eclipse. This unusual event was witnessed by a select few observers in a narrow path on Earth, creating a spectacle that blended the mechanics of an eclipse with the illusion of the Sun appearing to rise twice in the same morning.
In this article, we will explore:
- What exactly a “double sunrise” solar eclipse is
- The science behind this phenomenon
- Where and when it was visible
- Historical precedents of similar events
- How photographers and astronomers captured it
- When we might see such an event again
What Is a “Double Sunrise” Solar Eclipse?
A “double sunrise” solar eclipse is a rare type of hybrid solar eclipse (also called an annular-total eclipse) that occurs when the Sun appears to rise, disappear behind the Moon, and then reappear—creating the illusion of two sunrises in one morning.
Key Features of the Phenomenon:
- Timing at Sunrise – The eclipse occurs just as the Sun is rising, making the Moon’s shadow appear to “split” the Sun.
- Atmospheric Refraction – Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, making the Sun appear slightly higher than it actually is. This can enhance the illusion of the Sun dipping below the horizon and rising again.
- Eclipse Geometry – The Moon’s distance from Earth is just right to create a brief total eclipse (where the Sun is completely covered) followed by an annular eclipse (where a “ring of fire” appears).
The April 20, 2024 “Double Sunrise” Eclipse
Where Was It Visible?
- The eclipse was primarily visible in a narrow path stretching from:
- Western Australia (Exmouth Peninsula)
- Timor-Leste
- Eastern Indonesia (West Papua)
- Observers in these regions saw the Sun rise partially eclipsed, then disappear completely, before “rising again” moments later.
Why Did the Sun Appear to Rise Twice?
- First Sunrise – The Sun peeked above the horizon, already partially eclipsed by the Moon.
- Total Eclipse Phase – For a few seconds, the Moon completely covered the Sun, making it seem like the Sun had set again.
- Second Sunrise – As the Moon moved away, the Sun reappeared, creating the illusion of a second sunrise.
This effect was amplified by atmospheric mirage effects, which distorted the Sun’s shape near the horizon.
Historical Precedents: Has This Happened Before?
While rare, similar “double sunrise” eclipses have been recorded:
1. November 3, 2013 (Atlantic & Central Africa)
- A hybrid eclipse created a brief “double sunrise” effect for observers in Gabon and the Congo.
2. April 8, 2005 (Pacific Ocean)
- A hybrid eclipse near sunrise produced a similar illusion for ship-based observers.
3. Ancient Records
- Some historians believe a “double sunrise” eclipse may have been described in Chinese astronomical records from 1302 BC.
How Was the Eclipse Captured?
Photographers and astronomers in Western Australia set up specialized equipment to document the event:
- Time-lapse photography showed the Sun appearing, vanishing, and reappearing.
- Solar telescopes captured the precise moment of totality.
- Drone footage from the Exmouth Peninsula revealed the eerie twilight effect during totality.
When Will the Next “Double Sunrise” Eclipse Happen?
The next hybrid solar eclipse with a potential “double sunrise” effect will occur on:
- November 14, 2031 (visible in the Pacific and parts of South America)
- March 23, 2164 (visible in Africa and the Indian Ocean)
However, exact visibility depends on atmospheric conditions and the observer’s location.
Conclusion
The April 20, 2024 “double sunrise” solar eclipse was a breathtaking reminder of the wonders of celestial mechanics. For those lucky enough to witness it, the sight of the Sun rising twice in one morning was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
As we await future eclipses, astronomers continue to study these rare alignments, ensuring that we never miss another chance to see the sky perform its most magical illusions.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.