Subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest stories and updates.

The universe is filled with an amazing phenomenon that most of the time we are unaware of. However, on April 20 Malaysians will be able to view one of the phenomena as a hybrid solar eclipse phenomenon that happens north of the Australian continent that will cause a partial solar eclipse in Malaysia.

Once every ten years or so, the Moon and Sun’s distances from Earth must be in just the right positions for the hybrid solar eclipse to take place.

According to the statement by Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), only seven hybrid solar eclipses will take place in the 21st century: in 2013, 2023, 2031, 2049, and 2050.

“It’s called a ‘hybrid’ because it involves the three Moon’s shadow areas namely umbra, penumbra and antumbra which combine the three types of solar eclipses namely, Full Solar Eclipse, Anulus Solar Eclipse and Semi-Solar Eclipse along the eclipse’s midway path.”

MOSTI

Mosti also stated that for watchers in Peninsular Malaysia, the eclipse will have a maximum coverage of 1% to 15%, while in Kuching, Sarawak, it will reach 30%, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, will have a coverage of 34%, and Tawau will have a coverage of 43%, as reported by New Straits Times.

For the Malaysians in Sabah, they can view the phenomena from 11am to 2pm while for those in the Peninsular will be able to view it from 11am to 1pm

As stated by Mosti, viewing events for the partial solar eclipse would take place in Tawau and at the Kuala Lumpur National Planetarium, with free eclipse glasses provided at each location so that people can observe the phenomena safely.

Photo by planetarium.negara

Mosti further cautioned the public against looking directly at the sun without using protective lenses or filters because doing so could permanently damage the retina of the eye and cause blindness.

For those who would not be able to view the eclipse from the venues stated above, there will be live streaming provided on the National Planetarium’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

Images of the eclipse from Malaysia and other parts of the world will be shared with the viewers during the streaming session.

“If a location experiences thick cloud formation or rain or is cloudy, then it won’t be possible to view the partial eclipse from that site,” Mosti stated as reported by New Straits Times.

For the people who are observing the Ramadan fast, it is advised not to be under the Sun too long as it can cause dehydration.

This is a rare phenomenon that should not be missed as it shows the magnificence of the universe we live in.

Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.