Memories

of Choo Jen-Sin

 

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth so that the Sun is fully or partially covered. This can only happen during a new moon, when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction as seen from the Earth.

After a 10-year solar eclipse drought in Singapore, we are fortunate to witness the first solar eclipse of 2009, which also coincides with the first day of Chinese New Year. The time of the maximal eclipse in Singapore occurs at 5:49 PM, when 72% of the sun is observed to be covered.

Do not attempt to observe any solar eclipse with the naked eye. Failure to use appropriate filtration may result in permanent eye damage or blindness!

Watch out for the next Solar Eclipse in Singapore on 22 July 2009 when the maximal eclipse will occur at 9:11 AM when 4% of the sun will be seen covered by the moon.