ISLAMABAD: An annular solar eclipse, said to be the last major celestial event of the year as 2019 comes to a close, descended upon parts of Pakistan on Thursday morning.
The rare “Ring of Fire’’eclipse occurs when the sun and the moon are positioned in such a way that the moon does not completely cover the sun, leaving its edges illuminated in what appears to be a circle of fire.
A view of solar eclipse in Islamabad on Dec 26, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Social Media)
The Pakistan Meteorological Department said the eclipse visible all over Pakistan, started at 7:30 a.m. and would last until 1:06 p.m.
The eclipse was also visible from Eastern Europe, much of Asia, North and West Australia, Eastern Africa, the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, the Met Office said.
A view of solar eclipse in Karachi on Dec 26, 2019. (Photo Courtesy: Social Media)
People have been advised not to look at the sun directly during the eclipse and to use protective eye gear. The best times to observe the eclipse in major cities of Pakistan are: Karachi (8:46 a.m.); Quetta (8:48 a.m.); Peshawar (8:56 a.m.); Islamabad (8:58 a.m.); Lahore (8:58 a.m.); Muzaffarabad (8:59 a.m.); and Gilgit (9:01 a.m.), the Met Office said.
Special prayers called Salatul Al-Kasuf were offered at multiple places across the country in line with the Islamic tradition of performing such prayers when solar eclipses occur.
