TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The total solar eclipse that is predicted to pass over a number of regions in Indonesia on March 9 has attracted people to book visits to these regions. In light of the phenomenon, Head of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)) Andi Eka Sakya has assured that seeing the total solar eclipse directly is safe for the eye.
“But it becomes harmful to see partial solar eclipse in long duration. Therefore, looking at partial solar eclipse phase should be avoided,” Andi explained on Thursday, February 11.
The safest way to observe the solar eclipse, Andi said, is by wearing glasses with special filter. During the total solar eclipse, which only lasts for few minutes, this glasses can be taken off and we can observe the sun with naked eye.
The total solar eclipse happens when the sun, moon and earth are in aligned position. Due to the position, some of earth’s surface will not see the sun because it is covered by the moon’s shadow.
The longest total duration of the upcoming total eclipse is predicted to be 4 minutes and 9 seconds. Different regions will experience different duration ranging from 1 minute to 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
AHMAD NURHASIM