The partial solar eclipse began at around 00:38:26 UT (universal time: hr:min:sec) and ended at about 04:25:00 UT. The greatest portion of the eclipse took place at 02:31:56 UT. For instance, in Sri Lanka, the eclipse was seen from 6:08:00 to 9:55:00 a.m. (local Sri Lankan standard time).

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Earth and the Sun. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the three bodies are not exactly in line, and the Moon partially obscures the Earth’s view of the Sun (kinda like when you look at a lamp and someone walks in front of you, blocking some of the light coming from the lamp).

Remember that direct viewing of the Sun during a solar eclipse is harmful. It may cause damage to one’s eyes, including complete or partial blindness.

The next solar eclipse will be a total solar eclipse. It will occur on August 1, 2008.

For more information about eclipses, go to the NASA Web page: http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/eclipse.html.

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Astronomy  Earth  Moon  NASA  Science  Sun  William Atkins