Siliguri, July 31: People of north Bengal will witness partial solar eclipse tomorrow, but there is a possibility of the view being blurred by clouds. Sky watchers have suggested some measures for a trouble-free observation of the solar wonder.

“The solar eclipse, which would be total in some parts of the world, would be partial in north Bengal, with the obscurity varying from 60 to 65 per cent,” Debasis Sarkar, the secretary of Sky Watchers’ Associations of North Bengal, said today.

According to Sarkar, chances of poor view are high as there will be cloud movement and the sun would be low on the western sky. He said the data showed that the eclipse would start at 4.09.36pm and end at 5.58.39pm in Siliguri. In Malda and Cooch Behar, the starting times are 4.13.25pm and 4.10.27pm and finishing times are 6.00.40pm and 5.58.50pm respectively.

However, the astro-enthusiasts have some warnings for the people who want to observe the eclipse.

“It is not advisable for anybody to watch the eclipse with x-ray plate, ordinary sunglasses or smoke glasses,” said a researcher. “This can lead to severe ophthalmic complications, including retinal blindness.”

The best way is to view the eclipse indirectly, using a pin-hole camera or a mirror. “A small mirror, measuring 1.5cm to 2cm in diameter, can be used to reflect the sun in a wall,” said Sarkar. Otherwise, the experts said, using an authorised or scientifically-tested solar filter that stops the rays from entering the eye is recommended for direct viewing.