Caribbean Islands in path of partial solar eclipse ready to view
Tips and advisories have been issued in some Caribbean territories which will be able to view the partial solar eclipse. On April 8 a total solar eclipse will cross over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada.
In the Dutch Caribbean Island of Sint Maarten, the Meteorological Department says the solar eclipse is anticipated to be visible in various parts of the world, however the eclipse will only be visible in some parts of the Caribbean. The eclipse will not be visible in countries in the eastern Caribbean South of Guadeloupe.
Sint Maarten will only have a partial view depending on the cloud cover from about 3 pm to 4 pm. A very small part of the sun will be blocked out.
The Meteorological Department reminds proper eye protection such as ISO-compliant solar viewing glasses or solar filters are recommended to prevent eye damage.
The Turks and Caicos Islands National Weather Service in a statement says the Turks and Caicos Islands will experience a partial eclipse. Spectators will be able to view between 20 to 28 per cent of the eclipse.
The eclipse will start at 2:10 pm local time and will end at 4:10 pm, with maximum coverage occurring around 3:06 pm.
It also reminds the public that looking directly into the sun is unsafe, as it poses the risk of permanent damage to the eyes resulting in diminished vision, and can bring other optical health complications, such as cataracts and certain eye cancers.
The only safe way to look at the sun during an eclipse is through special purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers.
Meanwhile, Bahamas Meteorology in a statement says the Bahamas will experience a partial eclipse which will start at 1:55 pm local time and will end at 4:15 pm, with maximum coverage occurring at 3:06 pm.
Spectators in the Northwest Bahamas will be able to view between 35 to 45 percent of the eclipse. These islands include New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Eleuthera, Andros and Eleuthera.
Spectators in the Central Bahamas will be able to view between 28 to 35 per cent of the eclipse. These islands include The Exuma Cays, Great Exuma, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador and Long Island.
Spectators in the Southeast Bahamas will be able to view between 20 to 28 per cent of the eclipse. These islands include Ragged Island, Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana and Inagua.
The Department of Meteorology reminds the public that safety is the most important thing to consider during any solar eclipse. The only safe way to look directly at the sun during an eclipse is through special purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand held solar viewers.
Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even polarized dark shades, are not safe for looking at the sun.
The Ministry of Energy and Transport as well as the Department of Meteorology admonishes all Bahamians and visitors to adhere to the guidance provided to protect their eyes.
According to NASA, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 am PDT.
