First partial solar eclipse in almost 3 years visible from Singapore's skies
Bernama
March 9, 2016 12:48 MYT
March 9, 2016 12:48 MYT
People watch a partial solar eclipse through a telescope at a sports field at the National University of Singapore in Singapore on March 9, 2016. - AFP photo / ROSLAN RAHMAN
The first partial solar eclipse in almost three years was visible from Singapore's skies today.
The eclipse started at about 7.20am and reached its maximum at around 8.23am, with about 90 per cent of the sun shadowed by the moon.
The total solar eclipse swept across the republic before passing 12 provinces of Indonesia.
The eclipse ended at about 9.30am.
The last partial solar eclipse visible from Singapore was on May 10, 2013.
It was reported that a total of only 146 solar eclipses have been or are expected to be visible from Singapore between 1700 and 2100.
Crowds gathered at a few places to get the best visibility such as at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Marina Barrage and East Coast Park.
The Astronomical Society of Singapore and Science Centre Singapore also held a joint viewing event with hundreds of Singaporean and foreigners attending.
On social media, netizen started sharing photos and video related to the rare phenomenon.
Singapore Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan also shared two photos of partial eclipse on Facebook with a caption "Solar eclipse - hope you didn't look at it directly! #solareclipse."