What's on and where to see it.
Australia Day Partial Solar Eclipse
5.01pm to 6.56pm
Important Note:
Please take note of the following information regarding eye safety during the partial solar eclipse, and most importantly never look directly at the sun.
Coinciding with the International Year of Astronomy, nature is giving us a free demonstration on Australia Day. Late in the afternoon we will be treated to a spectacular natural phenomenon – a partial eclipse of the Sun.
Unfortunately eclipses of this type are very dangerous to look at directly, as the bright sunlight can cause permanent eye damage, so Scitech has put together some information to help you observe it safely.
What is an eclipse?
An eclipse happens when the Earth passes through the Moon’s shadow or vice versa. On January 26 there will be a “Partial Solar Eclipse” in which the Sun will seem to have a “bite” taken out of it. At its peak approximately 22% of the Sun’s surface will be covered by the Moon.
When will it happen?
In Perth it will begin at 5.01pm local time and end nearly 2 hours later at 6.56pm with the eclipse maximum at 6.01pm.
What makes an eclipse dangerous to look at?
The Sun emits intense radiation. Looking directly at the Sun, even for just a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to the retina at the back of the eye.
The retina has no sensitivity to pain, and the effects of retinal damage may not appear for hours, so there is no warning that injury or blindness is occurring.
Can I look at the sun through my sunglasses?
NO!! Sunglasses only cut out UV radiation, not the invisible infrared radiation that causes the damage. You should not look at the Sun through sunglasses, binoculars or a camera lens.
How can I see the eclipse safely?
Scitech recommends you make a Pinhole Camera. It is a safe and portable tool that is fun to make at home. Take two thin, stiff pieces of white cardboard. Put a small, clean pinhole in one piece of cardboard and let the sunlight fall through that hole onto the second piece of cardboard, which serves as a screen, held below it. With your back to the sun you will see an inverted image of the Sun on the bottom piece of card, which you hold in front of you.
You can also see some cool effects by looking at shadows on the ground caused by the Sun shining through the trees.
For more info on eclipses, The International Year of Astronomy or any cool science stuff log onto www.scitech.org.au or www.astronomywa.net.au.
Scitech will be running Pinhole Camera workshops in the family area on The Esplanade, Perth, and The Family Zone on Sir James Mitchell Park, South Perth, from 2pm.
