The extraordinary solar eclipse is fast approaching, and while UAE residents will get to see a partial solar eclipse right outside, there will also be a live broadcast of the special event.
The partial solar eclipse will take place on Sunday June 21, starting from 8.14am with the maximum eclipse to be seen at 9.36am. The solar eclipse will then finish at 11.12am.
For those who don’t have the right equipment to look at it (sunglasses without special filters won’t work), the Abu Dhabi-based International Astronomical Center will be broadcasting the event live.
Taking place from the capital of the UAE from 8am until 11am, those interested can check it out on the centre’s social media channels. Find out more here.
Mohammed Shawkat Awda, of the International Astronomical Center, said the areas that will witness an annular eclipse are located within a narrow strip starting from southern Sudan with a width of 65 kilometres.
The eclipse will travel east and continue decreasing in view while passing over Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Oman, with its width in the east of Oman becoming only 33 kilometres, he added.
It’s never a good idea to look directly at a solar eclipse without the right equipment. Don’t fret, as Dubai Astronomy Group has ISO certified solar eclipse observation glasses available for Dhs24 right here.
Other dos and don’ts include not looking at the sun through sunglasses (it never works), and not looking at the sun with filters made from photographic film, or any combination of photographic filters and crossed polarisers.
However, do first position yourself towards the east direction, put the glasses on then turn towards the sun to observe the eclipse.
To find out more about the very special event, check out www.dubaiastronomy.com.
