New York [US], March 30: Skygazers in some parts of the world have been enthralled catching the Moon passing between the Sun and the Earth, making a partial solar eclipse.
Saturday's eclipse was visible throughout Europe, including Greenland, the far northwest of Africa and Newfoundland, weather permitting. Clouds meant some were unable to see up to one-fifth of the Sun obscured by the Moon.
During a solar eclipse, the Moon stands between the Earth and the Sun. And since the three are not completely aligned, when the Moon passes through the other two, it obscures only part of the Sun.
Speaking from the town of Lewes, Sussex, at around 11am, Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: "There's a really nice crowd of people, everybody's really excited, there's people wearing eclipse glasses, looking through the telescopes we've got set up.
"We're loving it and it's a lot of fun. It's a great public atmosphere, it's a really nice event. There's a huge amount of enthusiasm about it."
Elliott Richmond, from the village of Bishop's Cleeve in Gloucestershire, used a tripod, a piece of cardboard and a white sheet of paper to view the spectacle.
The 52-year-old web developer said: "It's just completely makeshift. It's things I've used around my house so it's very Blue Peter, effectively."
However, the next total eclipse - which occurs when the Moon completely blocks out the sun - in the region will not occur until 2081. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the sun's light on one side, and casting a shadow on a small area of Earth on its other side.
Authorities warned residents on Saturday to avoid looking directly at the sun without protection, especially through binoculars or a telescope. Those seeking a glimpse of the eclipse were advised to wear special protective glasses. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
