Partial solar eclipse on August 11: When the Moon covers some part of the Sun through its shadow, the phenomenon is known as a partial Solar Eclipse. (Image Source: NASA) Partial solar eclipse on August 11: When the Moon covers some part of the Sun through its shadow, the phenomenon is known as a partial Solar Eclipse. (Image Source: NASA)

A partial solar eclipse will take place on August 11, lasting for nearly 3 hours 30 minutes. The partial solar eclipse will be visible in the day starting at around 1:32 PM Indian Standard Time (IST), and will be visible till 5:02 PM IST. It will be visible across major parts of the Northern Hemisphere, though India will not get to see the event.

What is a partial solar eclipse? How does it differ from a total solar eclipse?

An eclipse is a celestial phenomenon which takes place when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned in a straight line. In a solar eclipse, it is in the Moon which blocks the Sun’s path and stops the sunlight from reaching the Earth. During a total solar eclipse, it turns dark during the day, and temperatures can fall, since the Sun is completely blocked by the Moon.

This is also the reason why a total solar eclipse has inspired so much superstition and fear, given that it turns dark during the day.

However, when the Moon covers a certain portion of the Sun, it is known as a partial solar eclipse. During a partial solar eclipse, the Sun appears as a disk or in a crescent shape, the nature of which may differ according to the location on Earth and the alignment of the three bodies.

Partial solar eclipse on August 11: Is it safe to watch?

The partial solar eclipse, expected to play out over the early hours of August 11, will be visible from some regions of the Earth. NASA has created a Goddard Space Flight Centre (GSFC) map to showcase the path of this eclipse. According to this map, the solar eclipse will be at its greatest over the eastern reaches of Siberia and the North Pole observers will be able to view over 65 per cent of the eclipse.

Also Read: Partial solar eclipse 2018 on August 11: How to watch, visibility in India, and more

People cannot watch the partial solar eclipse with their bare eyes. There are specific glasses available in the market which people can purchase to experience the natural phenomenon without damaging their eyes. The partial solar eclipse requires the same precautions as a total solar eclipse. Pinhole cameras, and special solar eclipse protection glasses are recommended to avoid any damage to the eyes.

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