Today,people across the Asian continent gathered to take a look at the annular solar eclipse which is also known as the “ring of fire”.
Understanding what an annular solar eclipse is –
An annular solar eclipse is a natural phenomenon which occurs when the moon, due to its huge large distance from planet earth, is unable to cover the entire sun, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a ‘ring of fire’ or “annulus” around the moon.
Where will it be seen ?
This natural phenomenon can be seen today in a lot of countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Oman, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
How to watch an annular solar eclipse ?
1. Welders glass is a safe material as a solar filter for direct viewing of the solar disc. In fact, welders glass number 14 is the best option.
2. A pinhole camera or a telescopic projection on a suitable surface Is another best option to take a look at the annular solar eclipse.
3. Another option is the usage of proper solar filters with certified appropriate optical density are safe to the eyes and should be used in front of optical devices and the naked eye.
Annular solar eclipse in India –
Along with many other people, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi too tried to witness the annular solar eclipse but due to cloud cover in the national capital he could witness the same. But, he managed to have a glimpse of it in Kozhikode through live stream.
On Twitter, Narendra Modi shared his pictures trying to see the Sun and also wrote, “Like many Indians, I was enthusiastic about #solareclipse2019. Unfortunately, I could not see the sun due to cloud cover but I did catch glimpses of the eclipse in Kozhikode and other parts on live stream.”
