The Research Council (TRC) hosted a public observation for solar eclipse in coordination with the Oman Astronomical Society to observe the annular eclipse on Thursday at Innovation Park Muscat.  

The event aimed to promote and raise the standards of the field of astronomy in the sultanate, promote scientific tourism, raise awareness among the general public regarding the different aspects of observing the annular eclipse, encourage photographers to capture the phenomenon of the annular eclipse and show the beauty of Oman, and encourage researchers to conduct scientific studies and research. 

Dr Majid al Ruqaishi, research associate at the Department of Physics, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, discussed how the annular eclipse is a ‘unique phenomenon’ as the last time it happened was in 1901. He elaborated that the umbra, the dark centre portion of a shadow, was not visible in Muscat when the Moon covered part of the sun during the annular eclipse.  

The annular eclipse began at around 6.31am and ended around 8.58am with the maximum eclipse taking place around 7.39am.