The moon, sun, and earth don't align in a perfectly straight line, during a partial solar eclipse, and the moon casts only the outer part of its shadow — the penumbra — on Earth.The moon will appear to take a bite out of the sun during the year's last partial solar eclipse today. The two-hour spectacle, begins around 2.40pm in the UAE and will see the moon's shadow cast on the earth.
The eclipse will be visible for up to two hours, but it will be best to view it when it is at its peak.
- In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, the eclipse will begin at 2.40pm and reach its peak at 3.51pm, with up to 50.3 per cent of the Sun's surface covered by the Moon.
- In Abu Dhabi, it will begin at 2.42pm and peak at 3.51pm, with 48.3 per cent of the Sun covered.
- In Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain, it will start at 2.40pm and also peak at 3.51pm. In Ras Al Khaimah, 51.2 per cent of the Sun will be covered during the eclipse's peak and 50.7 per cent in Umm Al Quwain.
- Eclipse begins at 2.43pm in Fujairah and peaks at 3.52pm (50.1 per cent of the Sun covered during the peak), while it begins at 2.44pm in Al Ain and is at its peak at 3.53pm, with 48.3 per cent of eclipse amount.
The eclipse ends at about the same time in all emirates at 4.54pm.
Some key facts to know:
- According to the Dubai Astronomy Group, the next partial solar eclipse won't be visible till 2027 in the UAE,
- Observing the sun during the eclipse without eye protection could result in vision damage, retinal burns or eclipse blindness.
- Solar filters or eclipse glasses that are no older than three years and are free of scratches must be used while looking at the sun.
- Mosques across Dubai will host special prayers after the Asr (evening) prayers.
