LOOK UP! : Hybrid solar eclipse spotted

Apartial hybrid solar eclipse was seen in the Philippines from 11:44 A.M. to 2:04 P.M. on Thursday, April 20, 2023, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

During the hybrid solar eclipse, the moon will cover the sun in the middle of the path, which is also called annular-total. It is a very rare and strange astronomical event that occurs only a few times per century. It was fully visible in western Australia,

SOURCE: whatalife.ph

East Timor, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, the said solar eclipse was partially seen in the Philippines, with a maximum eclipse obscuration of 23.7%, and cannot be fully observed.

The partial solar eclipse was seen at 11:44 a.m., while the maximum eclipse occurred at 12:55 P.M. and ended at 2:04 P.M. The time varies depending on the location of the area.

“Elsewhere in the Philippines, the partial solar eclipse can be observed with a minimum obscuration of 12% to the north (Basco, Ba- tanes) and a maximum obscuration of 58% to the south (Balit Island-Municipality of Sarangani),” PAGASA said.

“Be aware that eclipse glasses are not conventional sunglasses. Regular sunglasses, regardless of how dark they are, should not be used to observe the sun. The general public is urged to use eclipse safety instruments like pinhole cameras or telescope projections as a precaution,” PAGASA explained.

PAGASA also advised people to wear safe solar viewing equipment when observing the partial hybrid solar eclipse.

A hybrid solar eclipse is a very rare and strange astronomical event that occurs only a few times per century. Out of 224 solar eclipses in the 21st century, seven will be hybrids. It will occur four more times this century. According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the next hybrid solar eclipse will be in 2031.