TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian astronomy organizations and astronomical societies are scheduled to hold numerous observations for the annular solar eclipse set to be visible on December 26, 2019. Experts say that the eclipse’s “ring of fire” will only be visible in several areas while others will experience a partial solar eclipse.

The Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) will host four public observations in four locations in Lottu and Pandan in North Sumatra, Batam in Riau Islands, and Singkawang in West Kalimantan.

“People are welcome to join and together experience the unique natural event,” said BMKG astronomy researcher Rukman Nugraha on Monday, December 16.

Other BMKG regional divisions will also hold public observations such as in Banda Aceh, Medan, Padang Panjang, Kepahiang, Tanjung Pandan, Kotabumi, Serang, Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Kepanjen, and Denpasar.

Mataram, Waingapu, Kupang, Makassar, Gowa, Palu, Manado, Ternate, Ambon, and Jayapura, will also hold similar public events.

Meanwhile, Bandung’s astronomical society, langitselatan.com, the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (Lapan), and Siak District Administration will also hold similar public observations for the annular solar eclipse.

Those living in Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta can visit the city’s Planetarium and Observatory to join the observations held by a number of astronomy enthusiasts.

ANWAR SISWADI