On Wednesday, August 12, Morocco will witness a significant solar eclipse, reaching its peak just before 8 PM. During this event, the Sun will gradually disappear below the horizon while the Moon obscures a portion of it.
The lunar shadow will begin to transit in front of the Sun in the early evening, providing a mesmerizing display visible across the entire country. However, the most striking views will be located in the northern regions of Morocco, which are situated closer to the path of the total eclipse.
While this eclipse will be total in areas such as Greenland, Iceland, northern Spain, and a small section of Portugal, Morocco will remain outside the path of totality, meaning that the Sun will not completely vanish from view. Nevertheless, the NASA has classified northwestern Africa as one of the regions where the Moon will cover a significant portion of the solar disk. It highlights a particularly unusual configuration: the Sun will set before the conclusion of the eclipse, creating the rare sight of a crescent Sun dipping towards the horizon.
In Tangier, the phenomenon is set to commence around 6:44 PM, peaking at approximately 7:40 PM, when nearly 92% of the Sun's surface will be obscured. Meanwhile, in Rabat, the eclipse will begin at 6:47 PM and reach its maximum at 7:43 PM, covering around 88% of the Sun. Casablanca will experience a similar timeline starting at 6:48 PM and peaking at 7:43 PM, with an obscuration rate close to 87%. In Fez, nearly 90% of the Sun will disappear. The effect will be slightly less pronounced in the south, with about 83% coverage in Marrakech and 79% in Agadir. Residents are advised to find a location with a clear view to the west, as the Sun will already be low in the sky at the peak of the eclipse.
As the event unfolds in Casablanca, the Sun is expected to set around 8:20 PM while the eclipse is still ongoing. This scenario will be similar in several other cities across Morocco: the astronomical end of the phenomenon will not be observable, as the celestial body would have already dipped below the horizon.
The eclipse will remain partial throughout its duration in Morocco, meaning there will be no moment when it is safe to view the Sun directly without protective eyewear. Standard sunglasses, even those with dark lenses, do not provide adequate protection for the eyes. It is essential to use special eclipse glasses that meet the international standard ISO 12312-2.
Furthermore, binoculars, telescopes, and cameras must also be equipped with appropriate solar filters placed in front of the lens. Observing the Sun through unprotected instruments can cause severe eye damage, even for a few seconds.
As reported by bladi.net.
