Watch: Incredible scenes as Moon covers half of Sun during 2-hour eclipse in UAE

The celestial spectacle — the last partial solar eclipse of the year — reached its peak at 3.51pm and ended around 4.56pm

Sahim Salim

Published: Tue 25 Oct 2022, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 25 Oct 2022, 6:22 PM

The last partial solar eclipse of the year wowed UAE residents, with the celestial spectacle lasting two hours. It started at around 2.40pm, peaked at 3.51pm and ended by 5pm.

Those who missed the stunning view can watch how it happened here:

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A photo posted on Twitter by the International Astronomical Center shows how the first moments of the eclipse looked in Abu Dhabi:

Photo courtesy: Twitter (@AstronomyCenter) / International Astronomical Center

Here's another photo posted by the centre:

Photo courtesy: Twitter (@AstronomyCenter) / International Astronomical Center

As the celestial spectacle reached its peak at around 3.51pm, more stunning images were shared:

Photo courtesy: Twitter (@AstronomyCenter) / International Astronomical Center

In this photo, taken from the IAC's observatory, some black dots, also called sunspots, are also seen:

Photo courtesy: Twitter (@AstronomyCenter) / International Astronomical Center

During a partial solar eclipse, the moon, sun, and earth don't align in a perfectly straight line, and the moon casts only the outer part of its shadow — the penumbra — on Earth.

Mosques across the country were directed to host a special eclipse prayer immediately after Asr prayer.

Here are some key facts you may not know about the phenomenon:

The next partial solar eclipse won't be visible till 2027 in the UAE, according to the Dubai Astronomy Group.
Observing the sun during the eclipse without eye protection could result in vision damage, retinal burns or eclipse blindness.
Solar filters or eclipse glasses that are no older than three years and are free of scratches must be used while looking at the sun.
Mosques across the UAE will host special prayers after the Asr (evening) prayers.
There are different types of solar eclipses. This video will help you understand them better:

sahim@khaleejtimes.com

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