Dubai: UAE residents can see the partial solar eclipse starting at 12.11 pm on Tuesday and the Dubai Astronomy Group warns not to watch it directly, but through special dark glasses.
"This is your only chance in many years to view a solar eclipse this part of the world as the next one visible here will be in the year 2019," said Hassan Ahmad Al Hariri, CEO of the Astronomy Group.
Click here to see the path of partial solar eclipse
The Astronomy Group will organise a safe viewing area on the Burj Khalifa steps and a briefing will be given by Al Hariri from 11.30am. The CEO said if you do not have dark glasses, to place a bucket of water outside and watch the reflection of the eclipse in the water.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, totally or partially obscuring Earth's view of the Sun. A partial solar eclipse occurs in the polar regions of the Earth when the centre of the Moon's shadow misses the earth, the Group explains.
The partial eclipse will last until 2.30 pm today. Glasses will be available at the viewing sight at Dh20 per piece.
The other spot to view it from Sharjah is the American University of Sharjah. The Amateur Astronomy Association in Abu Dhabi will monitor the eclipse to inform the public, according to the Emirates Heritage Club.
Every time there is a solar eclipse, pregnant women panic and the Dubai Astronomy Group is flooded with calls.
One pregnant woman called Gulf News to inquire about the timing of the eclipse. She said her grandmother had warned her not to go out during that time.
The other precautions she has been asked to take is to lie still for the duration and not use a knife or any sharp object for cutting, or it would affect the child. Al Hariri said he guarantees that nobody will be hurt during the eclipse.
"This is all superstition," he said.
A solar eclipse is a rare sight and since ancient times people feared there would be a catastrophe everytime it occurred, he said.
"The Chinese believed the Sun was swallowed by a dragon," he said.
Precautions: Facts and follies
- Do not see the partial eclipse directly. You will damage your eyes
- View it through special dark glasses
- Or place a bucket outside and watch the reflection
- Pregnant women need not fear the eclipse
Do you believe in these superstitions? Do you know of any others associated with solar eclipses?
