Pakistanis witness second solar eclipse of the year

ISLAMABAD: The second solar eclipse of the year occurred in several countries of the world, including Pakistan, on Friday.

The eclipse began at 1:48pm and ended at 4:13pm. The eclipse was witnessed in several countries of the world including Pakistan, Canada, United States, India, Bangladesh and Europe.

Experts had prohibited directly viewing the eclipse without safety measures.

The first solar eclipse happened at the beginning of the year on January 31. Solar eclipses occur when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun, blocking light from the Sun.

Researchers said the eclipse is important because it will enable astronomers to study the outer realm of the Sun, known as the corona. Understanding more about how the Sun works, and how solar flares emerge, can help protect astronauts in space as well as electrical grids on Earth.

To avoid eye damage, experts said everyone should wear special solar glasses or use darkened welder glass when looking at the Sun. The light from the Sun can burn the retina, leading to permanent or long-term damage and blind spots in one’s centre of vision. Another option, to avoid looking skyward, is to make a pinhole in a sheet of paper or cardboard, and project the Sun s image onto another piece of paper.