Article Posted on : - Jan 15, 2010

Various phases of the solar eclipse as viwed in India on Friday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (PTI): Solar eclipse, whose visibility was long and clear in Kerala on Friday, turned out to be a “solar festival” not only for scientists but also for the people at large.

A large number of people, including children, turned up to witness the rare spectacle of the century across the state where special arrangements were made for viewing the celestial phenomenon.

The eclipse started becoming visible here and the adjoining areas at 11.30 am.

Leading scientific institutions, including Science and Technology Museum, various colleges and schools made special arrangements for viewing the eclipse, for which glasses and filters were distributed.

“The enthusiasm of common people and students show the growing interest of the society in science. It is a positive sign,” Dr Babu Jopseh, physicist and former Vice-Chancellor of Cochin University of Science and Technology, said.