Partial solar eclipse Wednesday

CEBU, Philippines - After over six years, sky watchers in parts of the Philippines can grab again their especially-made viewing glasses to view the solar eclipse this Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Mactan, however, said the total phase of the solar eclipse is not visible anywhere in the country.

“Cebu City will only see 64 percent of the sun’s portion being covered. Here in the Philippines, we can only view a partial solar eclipse. The southern part of the Philippines, though, can have a maximum view of 80 percent since it is nearby Indonesia, where the total eclipse of the sun (can be) visibly seen,” said Engr. Alfredo Quiblat, officer-in-charge of PAGASA-Cebu province.

He said that this Wednesday, the moon would start blocking the sun at 7:45 a.m. and would end it at 10:20 a.m. The moon would partially cover the sun at its maximum phase at 9 a.m.

This natural phenomenon, when the moon passes between the earth and the sun, will occur for at least two hours and 35 minutes in Cebu.

Quiblat advised the public to wear protective eclipse eyeglasses or use a pinhole projector in viewing this natural occurrence rather than directly looking at the sun.

He warned that the sun’s ultraviolet radiation can burn the retinas of the eyes that may lead to permanent damage even blindness.

The previous solar eclipse that was partly visible in the country occurred last July 22, 2009, when the longest 21st century total solar eclipse was recorded.

It is predicted that that solar eclipse would not be surpassed until June 13, 2132, which, however, would not be seen in the Philippines.

Filipinos would have to endure a longer wait for the next total solar eclipse to occur, as it would be on April 20, 2042 yet. — (FREEMAN)