Annular Solar Eclipse Expected Tuesday as Experts Issue Viewing Warnings
Annular Solar Eclipse Expected Tuesday as Experts Issue Viewing Warnings
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The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics announced that an annular solar eclipse will occur on Tuesday, the 17th of this month, drawing global attention to a rare astronomical event.
In a statement, the institute explained that an annular eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun without fully covering the Sun’s disk, leaving a bright ring visible around it—often referred to as the “ring of fire.” This type of eclipse is relatively uncommon and attracts strong scientific and public interest because of its distinctive visual appearance.
According to the institute, the eclipse’s path will cross several regions worldwide, while other areas will experience a partial eclipse at varying levels. Peak viewing times will differ from country to country depending on geographic location. The institute said it will later issue a detailed bulletin specifying viewing percentages across Egypt’s governorates, along with precise timings for the start, maximum, and end of the event.
The institute renewed its warnings against looking directly at the Sun during the eclipse without certified protective equipment, stressing that ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection and may cause serious retinal damage. It advised using approved solar-eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods such as safe projection techniques.
From a religious perspective, Muslims are required to perform the eclipse prayer at the onset of a solar eclipse, in accordance with rulings by Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi.
