Partial Solar Eclipse in Hong Kong on 20 April

13 April 2023

A partial solar eclipse will occur on 20 April (Thursday) in Hong Kong. The eclipse will begin at 12.34 pm and end at 1.16 pm, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 12.55 pm. During this partial solar eclipse, the magnitude of the eclipse will only be 0.028 (see Note 1), which means that only 2.8 percent 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:

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 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 20 April, please refer to the 9-day Weather Forecast issued by the Hong Kong Observatory and the Weather Information for Astronomical Observation webpage closer to the date.

A schematic diagram showing the elevation and azimuth of the Sun and the Moon during the partial solar eclipse on 20 April 2023.

Notes:
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 Hong Kong Observatory.
2. An illustration of the observation method is given on the website of the Hong Kong Observatory.
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).
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.