Dubai: The head of the Dubai Astronomy Group said he is receiving calls from people worried how the partial solar eclipse today will affect them.
The partial solar eclipse can be seen over the UAE from 9.20am to 12.29pm.
Hassan Al Hariri, president of the group, said one caller said there was a pregnant woman in the house, and he seemed worried. "I tell them that the eclipse will not harm children or have any effect on people," he said.
Many people are afraid to be out in the open during the time of the eclipse and in some cultures, special prayers are said and pregnant women make sure they stay indoors
Despite advances in science and world-wide education, millions around the globe have an irrational fear of the solar eclipse, say astronomers and that it cuts across cultures and nations.
The Astronomy Group has set up four large telescopes on the grounds of the New World Private School in Twar for free viewing of the year's first partial solar eclipse. The school is next Al Twar Public Library.
Al Hariri advises against watching the eclipse directly as it can harm the eyes, but to look at it in a bucket of water placed outside.
The eclipse can be watched safely in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah today. In Abu Dhabi, the Astronomy league — Emirates heritage club is holding an event to watch the eclipse at Abu Dhabi corniche (across from Adco company, at the junction of Arabian Gulf Street with the cornice) from 10am-12pm. Glasses are provided.
In Sharjah, the Science Museum is holding an event from 9am to 1pm today.
