Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Baku residents witnessed a solar eclipse at 17:24 [local time] on November 3.

The solar eclipse was visible in Baku 5-10 minutes before sunset. The lower part of the solar disk began to darken at that time. Baku residents were able to observe this phenomenon for 8-9 minutes.

According to Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory named after N. Tusi of the National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), a solar eclipse began at 14:06 [local time] on November 3 and ended at 19:28 [local time]. Generally it was observed throughout the equator line, partly in Africa and America.

According to the Observatory officials, solar eclipse has no impact on human health.

Solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and fully or partially blocks the Sun. This can happen only at new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction. In a total eclipse, the disk of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon. In partial and annular eclipses only part of the Sun is obscured.

An eclipse is a natural phenomenon. Nevertheless, in some ancient and modern cultures, solar eclipses have been attributed to supernatural causes or regarded as bad omens. A total solar eclipse can be frightening to people who are unaware of its astronomical explanation, as the Sun seems to disappear during the day and the sky darkens in a matter of minutes.

As looking directly at the Sun can lead to permanent eye damage or blindness, special eye protection or indirect viewing techniques are used when viewing a solar eclipse.