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Solar Eclipse

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A partial solar eclipse will occur in Hong Kong on 20 April 2023, but the eclipse magnitude is just about 0.03. The eclipse will not noticeably weaken the sunlight at that time. As the eclipse magnitude is small, observers may need a telescope to observe this solar eclipse. A specialised solar filter or an indirect way such as the projection method, is essential for solar observation. Inadequate ways to observe the Sun may result in severe ocular burns. The general public may also check the online platforms of the Hong Kong Space Museum to watch the live image of the solar eclipse on that day. The next partial solar eclipse in Hong Kong will occur on 22 July 2028, whose magnitude will even be smaller than that of this one.

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Stage

Time (HKT)

Altitude (degrees)

Azimuth (degrees)

Partial eclipse begins

12:34

79

195

Greatest eclipse

12:55

77

217

Partial eclipse ends

13:16

73

232

The above predictions are referred to the Hong Kong Space Museum. The solar eclipse time varies by a few minutes at various places in Hong Kong.

Explanation of different stages of a solar eclipse

Partial eclipse begins: the instant when the Moon's limb contacts the Sun's limb.

Greatest eclipse: the instant when the apparent centers of the Moon and the Sun are at the smallest separation. The eclipse magnitude reaches its maximum at this time.

Partial eclipse ends: the instant when the Moon's limb leaves the Sun's limb completely.

Eclipse magnitude: reflects how deep the Moon eclipses the Sun. The larger the magnitude is, the larger proportion of the Sun is covered.

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In fact, the eclipse this time is a hybrid solar eclipse. In addition to the partial solar eclipse, there are some places on Earth where a total solar eclipse or annular solar eclipse can be observed. The central point of the eclipse is located at the South of the equator. The eclipse magnitude is larger when the observer is closer to the central point. In Hong Kong, the partial solar eclipse will begin around noon. It can be observed from many districts. However, the eclipse magnitude and duration will be slightly larger in the southeastern region. Interested observers may first consider places at Kowloon East or the eastern part of Hong Kong Island.

Places

Partial eclipse begins

Greatest eclipse

Partial eclipse ends

Eclipse Magnitude

Tin Shui Wai Park

12:37:09

12:55:06

13:13:09

0.02

HK International Airport

12:35:54

12:54:47

13:13:45

0.022

Tai Po Waterfront Park

12:35:54

12:55:24

13:14:58

0.024

Tsuen Wan Park

12:35:22

12:55:09

13:15:01

0.025

Sha Tin Park

12:35:02

12:55:19

13:16:38

0.026

Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui

12:34:12

12:55:09

13:16:10

0.028

Statue Square, Central

12:34:09

12:55:07

13:16:08

0.028

Victoria Park

12:34:00

12:55:10

13:16:23

0.028

Tseung Kwan O Waterfront Park

12:33:48

12:55:19

13:16:52

0.029

Heng Fa Chuen Promenade

12:33:40

12:55:15

13:16:53

0.029

Siu Sai Wan Promenade

12:33:28

12:55:15

13:17:05

0.030

Stanley Main Beach

12:33:13

12:55:07

13:17:04

0.030

Shek O Beach

12:33:06

12:55:11

13:17:20

0.031

Source: Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, EclipseWise.com

Note (1):  It is not practical to predict the solar eclipse time in second precision because the solar radius is uncertain, and the Earth's rotation speed is uneven. The above values are listed for reference only, which can be used to compare the time sequence of the solar eclipse occurring at different locations.

Note (2): All times are in Hong Kong Time (UTC+8).

As seen from the above data, the partial eclipse begins earlier and ends later in the southeast region of Hong Kong, meaning that the eclipse duration is longer and the eclipse magnitude is larger.

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The Hong Kong Space Museum will webcast the images of Sun during this partial solar eclipse. Members of the public can visit the online platform of the Hong Kong Space Museum to enjoy the live images of the solar eclipse.

Date: 20.4.2023 (Thursday)

Time: 12:30 – 1:20 pm

Online Platform: YouTube Channel of the Hong Kong Space Museum www.youtube.com/user/hkspacem