World will witness the first solar eclipse, and it could be a rare hybrid solar eclipse that promises to offer a breathtaking spectacle on April 20, 2023.
Solar eclipses occur when the moon, sun, and earth align, creating a rare cosmic setting that casts a shadow or blocks sunlight. However, hybrid solar eclipses, which occur just a few times in a century, are even more unusual.
Pakistan Meteorological Department Confirms the Phenomenon
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that the phenomenon will take place. According to a brief statement from the PMD, the eclipse will start early in the morning and end just before noon on April 20 as per Pakistan Standard Time. Unfortunately, it will not be visible anywhere in the country.
Different Phases of the Solar Eclipse
The different phases of the solar eclipse will occur at specific times. The eclipse will begin at 6:34 am PST, followed by the total eclipse at 7:37 am PST. The eclipse will peak at 9:17 am PST and end at 11:59 am PST. Some parts of the world will witness the rare solar eclipse partially, while others will see it in its entirety. It will be visible from parts of southern and eastern Asia, Australia, and Antarctica, as well as over the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Designated as “Global Astronomy Month”
Interestingly, April has been designated as “Global Astronomy Month” by Astronomers without Borders, a US-based organization, as the month will offer mesmerizing sights in the sky. According to a report by Popular Science, the April 20 solar eclipse will create a ring of fire that will be visible for a brief time in the Indian Ocean. The moon will cover the sun completely when it reaches Western Australia, causing around nine minutes of darkness during the day.
Another Solar Eclipse to Occur in October
This solar eclipse will not be visible in the US. Just a few months later, in October, there will be another solar eclipse that will be seen in the western part of the country.
The Phenomenon of Solar Eclipses
Eclipses occur when the moon, sun, and earth align in a rare cosmic setting, casting their shadow or blocking the sunlight. The moon orbits around the earth and is approximately 238,855 miles away. The sun, on the other hand, is approximately 93 million miles away from the earth. When the moon passes between the earth and the sun, it casts a shadow on the earth, which can result in either a partial or total solar eclipse.
Phenomenon of Hybrid Solar Eclipses
A hybrid solar eclipse is an extremely unusual phenomenon that occurs when the moon is in between its farthest and nearest points from the earth (apogee and perigee, respectively). It causes the moon to appear slightly smaller than the sun. As a result, during the eclipse, the moon appears to be slightly smaller than the sun’s disk, resulting in a ring of fire around the moon’s edges.
Preparing for the Solar Eclipse
It is essential to take precautions when witnessing a solar eclipse. Staring directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause serious eye damage, and people are advised to wear proper protective eyewear. It is also recommended to use a solar filter on cameras and telescopes to capture the phenomenon safely.
Read also: Kuwaiti news outlet unveils country’s first AI-Generated anchor “Fedha”
Conclusion, the world prepares to witness the first solar eclipse of 2023, and it could be a rare hybrid solar eclipse. The phenomenon will occur on April 20 and will be visible from parts of southern and eastern Asia, Australia, and Antarctica, as well as over the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As always, safety precautions should be taken
