Partial Solar Eclipse, Miss It Today and You'll See It Again in 10 Years

Observable from 3:53 PM Seoul Time

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] On the 21st at 3:53 PM, a partial solar eclipse, an astronomical phenomenon where the moon covers part of the sun, can be observed. The next partial solar eclipse visible in South Korea will be on June 1, 2030, ten years later.

According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, based on Seoul time, the eclipse will begin at 3:53 PM and reach its maximum coverage at 5:02 PM. At this time, the eclipse will cover 45% of the sun's surface area. The eclipse will last for 2 hours and 11 minutes, ending at 6:04 PM.

Especially since the weather is forecasted to be mostly clear nationwide, the eclipse is expected to be visible throughout the country. In Jeju Island, about 57.4% of the sun will be obscured, showing the greatest coverage. The coverage decreases as you move northeast.

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align in a straight line, causing the moon to block part or all of the sun from view. When the moon completely covers the sun, it is called a total solar eclipse; when only the edges remain visible, it is an annular solar eclipse; and when only part of the sun is covered, it is a partial solar eclipse.

Viewing the sun without proper protective equipment during an eclipse can cause eye damage. Observations should be made using telescopes equipped with solar filters or special eclipse glasses.

This year, two solar eclipses are scheduled: one on this day and another in December. However, the total solar eclipse in December will not be visible in South Korea, making this the last solar eclipse observable domestically this year.

Meanwhile, in Eastern Europe, Eastern Africa, and parts of Asia, the eclipse will be observed as an annular solar eclipse, where the sun's edges appear as a "ring of fire."