CJMYA rare annular solar eclipse, which last occurred 20 years ago is expected to occur today. The solar eclipse will form a ‘ring of fire’ in the sky when the moon fully covers the sun’s centre, causing the visible outer edge to form a ring-shaped shadow called ‘annulus’ around the moon.
The ring of fire will be formed for three minutes during the maximum stage of an annular solar eclipse, where the sun, moon and Earth are aligned.
The natural phenomenon never fails to excite fans of astronomy, however it also comes with inherent risk.
Ophthalmologists has warned against viewing the phenomenon with the naked eye, sunglasses or cameras as the sun is very bright and emits intensive light, which may cause permanent damage to the eyes.
The public are advised to wear appropriate glasses with film to avoid the eyesight from getting damaged. The special glasses are recommended as they can cut the light by 99.99 per cent or Dh20.
Those without glasses may use telescopes and cameras that has X-ray or UV filters attached in front of the lens. Another safe method is to project the image of the moon passing in front of the sun through the telescope or binoculars and onto a white sheet by turning the eye-piece of the telescope towards the sheet.
The eclipse observation event will be set in three locations – Tanjung Piai in Johor, Serian in Sarawak and the National Planetarium.
The phenomenon is expected be sighted between 10.26am and 3.30pm, with annular solar eclipse to appear in Sarawak from 1.50pm to 1.54pm. In Tanjung Piai, the annular solar eclipse is expected to be sighted earlier at 1.21pm.
Those in Kuala Lumpur who wish to witness the event can head to the National Planetarium as there will be a live screening of the moon’s movement. A total of 10,000 mylar glasses will be distributed for free.
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