On the afternoon of Boxing Day this year, Singapore will get a glimpse of the rare annular solar eclipse.
Visible from anywhere in Singapore, the "ring of fire" solar eclipse will happen from 1.22pm to 1.24pm.
Local group Stargazing Singapore has organised a viewing session at the amphitheatre of block 134 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3. Complimentary solar eclipse glasses will be distributed to the public at the event, which is free and open to all.
In a Facebook post, the group stressed that it is "a must to wear solar eclipse glasses or shades" specially designed for direct viewing of the Sun. "Sunglasses are NOT solar shades and are unable to filter out eye damaging radiation."
Places such as the Science Centre Singapore sells these glasses at about SGD5 a piece, said Stargazing Singapore. Solar glass and paper filters for cameras for imaging are also available there.
Children need to be supervised by an adult when using the solar eclipse glasses/shades/ viewers.
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon covers the sun's centre, leaving the sun's visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the moon. The next annular solar eclipse that will be fully visible in Singapore will be on 28 February 2063.
