Suggestions For Observing The Circular Solar Eclipse Of December 26

JAKARTA - A number of regions in Indonesia will experience the natural phenomenon of a ring solar eclipse on December 26. However, Riau and West Kalimantan are the most ideal locations to witness this natural phenomenon.

The most ideal location in Riau is in Siak Regency, Kampung Bunsur. There the ring solar eclipse is predicted to start at 12.15 WIB, enter the peak phase at 12.17 WIB and end at 12.19 WIB.

Meanwhile, another ideal location is in the city of Singkawang, West Kalimantan. There the ring solar eclipse will be partially visible around 10.43 WIB. Meanwhile, the peak of the ring solar eclipse occurred at 12.42 WB and ended at 14:31 WIB.

Researcher of the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN) Rhorom Priyatikanto advised residents not to observe the solar eclipse with the naked eye. He advised residents who wanted to see this natural phenomenon by using sun glasses or solar filters.

He explained that the intensity of sunlight during a ring solar eclipse is very strong and can damage the eyes and cause blindness. Therefore, LAPAN recommends the use of eye protection to witness these natural phenomena.

In addition to sunglasses with solar filters, pinhole cameras, binoculars or telescopes, and DSLR cameras with special solar filters can be used to observe ring solar eclipses.

A ring solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in line with the earth and the sun and moon are farthest from the earth, making the disc of the moon appear smaller than the sun so that it does not completely cover the solar disc.

The phenomenon of a ring solar eclipse can be observed, among others, in Padang Sidempuan, Sibolga, Siak, Duri, Pulang Sword, Bengkalis Island, Tebing Tinggi Island, Rangsang Island, Batam, Tanjung Pinang, Singkawang, Makulit, Tanjung Selor, and Berau.

LAPAN has focused its activities to monitor the solar eclipse in two locations, in Siak District, Bunsur Village, Riau and Singkawang City, West Kalimantan.

LAPAN will present a mini planetarium, talk shows about the phenomenon of the ring solar eclipse, an exhibition of Lapan's R&D results, screenings of science films and outreach to several schools and universities.

LAPAN also collaborated with Ristekdikti to present a pinhole binocular workshop for 100 participants as well as a solar eclipse photography exhibition and camera obscura.