HimVani
Shimla (Jan 4): Large number of sky watchers of State today viewed the partial solar eclipse as it was witnessed at major tourist stations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamsala, Kasauli and Dalhousie. The eclipse began at 2.57 pm and ended at 4.06 pm in the state capital, IMD sources said. Number of tourists and local were seen viewing the eclipse at the Ridge maidan, holding X-ray films and wearing dark glasses.
Due to crystal clear weather in the state, people witnessed maximum phase of the eclipse, that was 25 per cent, at about 3 33 pm, said Manmohan Singh of Indian Meteorological Department Director Shimla. ”The solar eclipse was partial at Shimla but a crystal clear sky delighted people to view it several time as the maximum phases become visible at sharp 3.33 pm,” he said. Principal scientific officer of State Science and Technology Council K Kaisth said that since the eclipse was partial, in was not so dangerous for viewing by the public but he advised people to use photographic film, X-ray and black glasses.
