On December 14, 2020, a rare hybrid solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America, Africa, and the South Atlantic. However, the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a warning to not view the eclipse directly. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the warning and the safety precautions recommended by the BMKG.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) of Indonesia has issued a warning regarding the hybrid solar eclipse, requesting the public not to watch it without protective gear as it can cause damage to their eyes. The Deputy for Geophysics at BMKG, Suko Prayitno Adi, emphasised that people must not stare directly at the sun during the eclipse as solar radiation can cause severe damage to their eyes. Specially designed glasses that use filters to see the sun must be worn to observe the phenomenon safely.
A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon during which both a total and annular solar eclipse occur sequentially at one time. The deputy explained that in the upcoming solar eclipse, both the umbra and antumbra areas of the moon’s shadow, will be visible, while the people living in the penumbra region will view it partially.
On 20th April 2023, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Biak Island of Papua Province and Kisar Island of Maluku Province. The duration of the peak of the eclipse on Kisar Island will be one minute and five seconds, while the duration of the peak on Biak Island will be one minute and two seconds. The people living in these areas must keep in mind the dangers of looking directly at the sun during the eclipse.
The initial contact of the total solar eclipse on Kisar Island is estimated to occur at 11.47.17 Eastern Indonesia Standard Time (WIT). It will then be followed by the second contact, the peak, the third contact, and the final contact of the eclipse, which are to occur at 13.22.24 WIT, 13.22.56 WIT, 13.23.29 WIT, and 14.57.49 WIT, respectively. The initial contact of the total solar eclipse on Biak Island will take place at 12.20.46 WIT, followed by the second contact at 13.56.42 WIT, the peak at 13.57.13 WIT, the third contact at 13.57.44 WIT, and the final contact at 15.26.14 WIT.
According to Adi, a solar eclipse is a rare occurrence, and people should take advantage of it by observing it safely. He warned that it is not a trivial matter and that people should take precautions seriously.
The BMKG had also advised the public to avoid watching the solar eclipse with their naked eyes, following the partial solar eclipse that occurred in December 2019, as it could affect their eyesight. A few days after this warning, a hybrid solar eclipse occurred in the sky, with some astronomical enthusiasts using filters to observe it safely.
Furthermore, three teams from the National Agency for Research and Innovation (BRIN) were sent to Biak Island to study the hybrid solar eclipse and its effects in March 2021. The scientific community is keen to understand the phenomenon and offer insights to ensure the public’s safety during future solar eclipses.
In conclusion, the BMKG’s warning is an effort to raise public awareness about the dangers of observing a solar eclipse without taking necessary precautions. It reiterates the need for everyone to use protective gear and filters while witnessing such rare occurrences. By doing so, they can avoid the potential risks and still experience the magic of a solar eclipse safely.
