Observing eclipse by naked eye may damage retina – Dr. Waheed

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

As Maldives would be one of the best places which can observe the eclipse to occur next Friday, it has been receiving tourists coming in to observe eclipse while locals had been gathering information on the eclipse.

While different communities has different beliefs about the eclipse, most of them are negative or dangerous, not only in the Maldives but in other countries as well.

Some religious scholars has associated eclipse as a sign of the Day of Judgment and that the eclipse prayer is a testimony to that.

Medical experts are of the view that observing eclipse from naked eye is dangerous. Dr. Abdulla Waheed, an eye specialist said that it might harm the retina and may possibly result in losing eyesight.

Dr. Waheed is also passionate about the astronomy. He said Friday’s eclipse will be a rare one and the only eclipse of this nature which was seen in Maldives did happen in 14 December 1955. But he advised to use precautions while observing the eclipse.

The eclipse will begin at 1015 hrs and will end at 1423 hrs. This eclipse can be seen in Male from 1220 hrs to 1231 hrs.

Eclipse prayers would be held along with Friday prayers according to Islamic Ministry. The next eclipse after 15 January eclipse would occur on 11 July 2010, which can be seen in Pacific and parts of South America.

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