'Ring of fire' solar eclipse 2019: Safe viewing techniques

KARACHI: Residents of Pakistan are witness the annular solar eclipse after 20 years today. 

Experts have warned people to take precautions when witnessing the solar eclipse. According to researchers, the eclipse will start at 7:35am (local time). It will turn into a total eclipse at 8:46am and end at 10:30 am. The earth shall cover 97 per cent of the centre of the sun, offering for a few minutes appearance of the "ring of fire" on the sky.

Experts have warned people not to look directly at the sun without any protective eye apparatus as it could damage their eyesight. The radiation will be much more direct than it was during the last solar eclipse that occurred 20 years ago.

Experts have however, rubbished claims that the eclipse could be viewed safely by using a welder’s mask, candle wax smeared on glass, car tinting film or through the reflection in water.

Elaborate arrangements to observe the annular solar eclipse, with due provision for needed safety, have been made at the Astronomical Observatory.

The common method is to project the image of the moon passing in front of the sun through a telescope and onto a white sheet by turning the eye-piece of the telescope towards the sheet. This is ideal for groups of people who do not have enough glasses.