Essentially, a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, revolving around the Earth, falls between the Sun & Earth thereby partially or entirely blocking the view of the Sun. However, the eclipse is only visible from regions that fall under the Moon’s shadow.
Today, a partial solar eclipse will be observed on the western horizon, where the Moon covers only some areas of the Sun’s disc. In accordance with their sentiments, Badrinath & Kedarnath temples shall be closed during the observation of the eclipse. The total duration is reported to be approximately 1 hour – 39 minutes – 31 seconds. The highest eclipse fraction will be visible from northern regions, including Leh in Ladakh and New Delhi. According to the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), those in New Delhi will witness a 44% eclipse fraction. The eclipse will start at 4.29 pm and the maximum fraction will be visible at 5.30 pm. In Mumbai, an eclipse fraction of 25% will be visible, starting from 4.49 pm.
Since it’s unsafe to view the eclipse with the naked eye or with a telescope or binoculars. It can be viewed through eclipse glasses or with a pinhole projector. The eclipse can also be viewed from 4 pm onwards through the buffering channels of The Aryabhatta Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
