Rare partial solar eclipse to be visible from Hong Kong on Apr 20

Astronomy enthusiasts will be in for a treat next week as a rare partial solar eclipse will be visible from Hong Kong around noon on April 20.

The Hong Kong Observatory said the eclipse will begin at 12.34pm and end at 1.16pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 12.55pm that day.

“During this partial solar eclipse, the magnitude of the eclipse will only be 0.028, which means that only 2.8 per cent of the sun's diameter will be obscured by the moon at maximum eclipse,” said the weather watchdog.

The observatory also noted that the elevation of the sun will be rather high during this eclipse, and most places with an unobstructed view to the southwest are suitable for viewing the event should the weather permit.

Click here for tips on observing the solar eclipse.

However, members of the public were still reminded not to look directly at the sun with naked eyes nor through a telescope, in order to avoid severe eye damage by sunlight.

The whole event can be watched via a webcast conducted by the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre.