Solar Eclipse: The Ring of Fire

June 21 was a solar eclipse around the world. A few hours later the eclipse ended in different parts of the world, including Pakistan. It was partially visible in most parts of the country.  The meteorological department of Islamabad stated that the eclipse begins at 8:46 am local time, at 11:40 am it was at its peak and ended at 2:34 pm local time.

This solar eclipse is called “Ring of Fire” as the moon comes in front (center) of the sun and covers it. In this scenario, the outer part of the sun looks like a ring.

Despite the southern parts of Pakistan, it was visible in China, North India, Central African Republic of Ethiopia, and Congo.   

New Delhi

According to a written statement of the meteorological department of Islamabad stated that the main cities where the eclipse was visible were Karachi, Quetta, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Gilgit, Sukkur, Gawadar and the capital of Pakistan administered-Kashmir Muzaffarabad. 

In Sukkur, it was visible as a full ring, while it was visible as a partial eclipse in other cities. In Islamabad, the partial eclipse started at 9:50 am and ended at 1:06 pm local time. The eclipse in Karachi begins at 9:26 am and ended at 12:46 am local time yesterday.

The solar eclipse started in Lahore at 9:19 am, at 11:26 am, the eclipse was at its peak and ended at 1:10 pm.

Remember that the solar eclipse occurs when the moon; orbiting the earth comes between the earth and sun. People are directed to be careful during a solar eclipse and do not look at the sun directly. It can cause serious harm to the eyes as it contains powerful radiation. Use special goggles to have a sight of a solar eclipse.

Experts suggest during solar eclipse one should:
·         Do not look at the sun without a filter.
·         Do not use eclipse goggles that are three years old.
·         Do not use homemade solar eclipse filters.
·         Do not use ordinary sunglasses to see the eclipse.
·         Do not use cameras without a filter.

  Even the smallest hole in the filter can destroy the human eye within a moment.

California University’s center for disease control stated that the solar eclipse should not be seen directly as it has negative effects on human eye retina. It can completely affect the eye’s visibility.