A Chance of Observing a Partial Solar Eclipse from Sri Lanka
On Sunday 21st June 2020, a partial solar eclipse can be observed from Sri Lanka if the weather is permitting. This solar eclipse is an annular solar eclipse which starts from the African Sub continent. The partial phase of this solar eclipse can be observed from several countries including Sri Lanka. The annular phase of this solar eclipse is visible from several countries from African peninsula, through Middle East and north parts of India to China.
The countries in East Asia, South East Asia, South Asia including Sri Lanka, some parts of Europe such as Italy, Turkey, Greece etc. and further most north parts of Australia will see a partial eclipse.
The eclipse begins in the Republic of Congo in South African sub-continent around 9.21 A.M (Sri Lankan Time).
The greatest eclipse happened when the axis of moon’s shadow becomes shortest at 30.5195 N latitude and 79.666 E longitudes at 12.10.P.M (Sri Lankan Standard time) close to Joshimath area at the Uththarkhand state in India.
Table1: Times and obscuration percentage of the solar eclipse for several main cities in Sri Lanka
Caution: Do not use the filters, which are designed to fit over the eyepiece for a telescope. These solar eyepiece filters are still sometimes sold with small amateur telescopes. They are not safe because of their tendency to absorb heat and crack, allowing the sunlight concentrated by the telescope’s full aperture to enter your eye.
Astronomy Division of Arthur C. Clarke Institute (ACCIMT)will arrange an observation session for this partial eclipse on 21 June 2020 at the ACCIMT observatory. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic this session will not be opened for the general public.
Astronomy Division