Muscat – Oman will witness a partial solar eclipse on October 25, according to the Omani Astronomical Society (OAS).

Al Julanda Mas’oud al Rawahi, head of the Social Communications Committee of OAS, said, “The partial solar eclipse will start at 2.50pm. The eclipse will reach its peak at 3:57pm and end at 4.58pm.

The partial solar eclipse will last around two hours and seven minutes. All will be able to observe it in Oman in the case of clear weather.”

According to Rawahi, the phenomenon will be observed in different parts of the sultanate. It will be 36 per cent eclipsed in Muscat, 22 per cent in Salalah, 35 per cent in Nizwa, 37 per cent in Sohar, and 41 per cent in Musandam.

“We urge people to follow safety procedures and appropriate viewing equipment to monitor the eclipse. It should not be viewed with the naked eye, as it can cause damage,” he said.

Viewing the sun while it is partially obscured during the eclipse can damage the retina of the eye, Rawahi explained.

“OAS, in cooperation with the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs and relevant authorities, will organise mass viewing events of the celestial event, details of which will be announced later on the society’s social media accounts.”