Go to main content
 
Partial solar eclipse in Hong Kong on April 20
**********************************************
     A partial solar eclipse will occur on April 20 (Thursday) in Hong Kong. The eclipse will begin at 12.34pm and end at 1.16pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 12.55pm. During this partial solar eclipse, the magnitude of the eclipse will only be 0.028 (see Note 1), which means that only 2.8 per cent of the sun's diameter will be obscured by the moon at maximum eclipse. Details of this partial solar eclipse are set out in the following table:
 
Date Time Phenomenon Elevation Direction (Azimuth)
April 20
(Thursday)
12.34pm Eclipse begins 79 degrees South-southwest  
(195 degrees)
12.55pm Maximum eclipse 77 degrees Southwest
(217 degrees)
1.16pm Eclipse ends 73 degrees Southwest
(232 degrees)

     The elevation of the sun will be rather high during this eclipse. If weather permits, most places with an unobstructed view to the southwest are suitable for viewing the event. Members of the public should never look directly at the sun with naked eyes nor through a telescope, in order to avoid severe eye damage by sunlight (see Note 2). The whole event can also be watched via webcast (see Note 3).
 
     For the latest weather conditions and the astronomical observation conditions on April 20, please refer to the 9-day Weather Forecast issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) and the Weather Information for Astronomical Observation webpage closer to the date.
 
Note 1: All astronomical information is calculated for mean sea level at latitude 22°18'7.3", longitude 114°10'27.6", which is the location of the HKO.
Note 2: An illustration of the observation method is given on the website of the HKO.
Note 3: Webcast will be conducted by the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre (sponsored by Sik Sik Yuen).
Note 4: A detailed explanation of the technical terms used for different stages of the eclipse and the past solar eclipses observable in Hong Kong are available at the Interesting Astronomical Phenomena – Solar eclipses page of the HKO.
 
Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2023
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN
Today's Press Releases