CHENNAI: Chennaiites on Wednesday had to set their alarm clock pretty early in the morning to have a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse that was visible between 6.22 am and 6.48 am.
Many enthusiasts were ready with their photographic equipment to capture the eclipse’s several phases. Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar was buzzing with activity with students of St Johns Public School along with other enthusiasts who took part in the observation organised by active members of SPACE, Chennai, a Delhi-based body that works towards popularising science and astronomy.
“Southern India was able to witness the partial solar eclipse for a short duration as the eclipse occurred during sunrise. Places in the Northeast of India were able to view it better as sunrise occurs earlier and the Sun was a little higher during the eclipse,” an eclipse enthusiast said.
S Venkata Narayanan, Zonal Manager of SPACE, along with other officials from SPACE briefed assembled enthusiasts about the eclipse.
“Initially, the Sun was blocked by clouds during the sunrise. Then the Sun started rising above the clouds,” said Venkata Narayanan.
On December 26, 2019,a total solar eclipse will occur which will be best seen from India when the Sun will beeclipsed to a maximum of 93 per cent. Also, there is a lunar eclipse this month on March 23, which will be clearly visible in Chennai.