A rare celestial event, the longest and the last total solar eclipse
of the century is taking place Wednesday, when the sun will be seen
blocked by the moon for almost two hours.

A total solar eclipse
can be seen from fourteen districts in eastern Nepal, while the rest of
the country will witness a partial eclipse ranging from 96 per cent in
Kathmandu to 75 per cent in western Nepal. Totality will last for up to
6 minutes 39 seconds.

In Kathmandu, the eclipse will start at
5.45 am, reach its climax at 6.42 am and end at 7.45 am. In Pokhara,
the eclipse can be seen from 5.46 am to 7.44 am. It will reach climax
at 6.42 am when 93 per cent of the sun will be covered by moon.

Astronomers
have said, Ilaam is the best place to witness the eclipse from Nepal as
it is situated at a high-altitude. Sky-gazers and tourists have
thronged to Fikkal bazaar of Ilaam to witness the rare event of the
century.

Astronomers have warned not to view the sun directly with naked eyes as the rays during eclipse may damage eyesight.

B.P.
Koirala Memorial Planetarium, Observatory and Science Museum
Development Board has made special arrangements to view the eclipse by
telescope without damaging the eye from Nepal Academy of Science and
Technology (NAST) premises in Khumaltar, the Kathmandu Mall and
Takshashila Academy in Baluwatar.

Meanwhile, the government has
declared a public holiday on Wednesday in view of the total solar
eclipse. The home ministry issued a press release Tuesday declaring a
public holiday in all government offices across the country and
diplomatic missions in various countries. Educational institutions have
also declared a holiday Wednesday. The last total eclipse seen from
Nepal was on Jan 22, 1898 and the next one will occur on May 14, 2124. nepalnews.com