Solar Eclipse On Dec 26; Where To Watch In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will witness a partial solar eclipse on December 26 morning. Arrangements are being made at various places for enthusiasts to watch the eclipse safely.

Pathani Samanta Planetarium in the city has set up its telescope for people to view the eclipse.

Apart from that, the planetarium has made arrangements at Institute of Physics and BJB Autonomous College Ground for students to see the celestial event.

The solar eclipse, which will cover Asia, Africa and Australia on December 26, will reportedly cast its shadow over Odisha between 8.20 am and 11.28 am.

The Moon will cover the Sun by 55-65 per cent at around 9.46 am, said Deputy Director of Pathani Samanta Planetarium Subhendu Patnaik, in a release.

The planetarium and several organizations are campaigning to raise awareness among people to use special solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing as ultraviolet rays are emitted during this time. “It is not safe to look at a partial or total solar eclipse without proper equipment or techniques. Staring at the Sun without proper precautions can do damage to eyes,” the release stated.

Solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes in between the Earth and Sun and all three are in one straight line. The Moon looks like a cut apple in case of a partial solar eclipse.