Last solar eclipse of 2022 occurs today 

Islamabad: The second and last partial solar eclipse of 2022 will be visible in various parts of the world including Pakistan on October 25 (today), said Met officials in a statement.

The eclipse will be visible from most of Europe, Northern Africa, the Middle East and Western parts of Asia, with amateur astronomers warned to take care watching the rare phenomenon. It will also be partially visible in Pakistan. 

The partial eclipse begins at 13:58 PST and ends at 18:02 PST with greatest eclipse occurring at 16:00 PST. Note that it will be visible across the country just before sunset. The solar eclipse would last for nearly two hours.

This first solar eclipse of the year 2022, not visible in Pakistan, was seen at midnight between 30th April and 01st May 2022. 

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting its shadow down onto Earth. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely blocks the Sun, momentarily plunging a portion of the Earth into complete darkness. 

However, today’s eclipse is only partial, and the "Moon's shadow will not touch the surface of the Earth at any point," the Paris Observatory said in a statement. 

It will be the 16th partial solar eclipse of the century, and the second of this year. 

According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the next total solar eclipse will cross North America on April 8, 2024. However, the first solar eclipse of 2023, not visible in Pakistan, would take place on April 20.

Tips To Observe Solar Eclipse 

To safely observe the sun or watch an eclipse, you need special protective eyewear or eclipse glasses. Basic sunglasses, even those with UV protection, will not sufficiently protect your eyes.

If you're planning to document the eclipse with any photo equipment, there are special solar filters you can add to make sure the remaining ring of sunlight doesn't take a toll on your vision. 

The safest way is to 'indirectly' observe an eclipse, using a pinhole camera that you can make easily at home. 

If you must document one of these events, a simple, wide-angle snap should capture the moment, even if you're using your smartphone camera.