two eclipses to start the year.
there will be an annular solar eclipse tomorrow, january 26 at around sunset, local time.
the totality will be where the Indian Ocean is about halfway between Madagascar and Australia so in the Philippines, we will only see it partially (62.70% coverage). the eclipse will start at 4:55 pm and the maximum coverage will be at 5:51 pm, Manila time. However, us in Manila won't be able to see the maximum coverage since the sun will set at 5:44 pm. maybe we can witness a 30-40% coverage. use filters/films to view the sun.
it's around sunset so expect the sun to be near the horizon. it will be unenjoyable to view with trees and tall buildings obscuring the western part of the sky so choose a good location.

The Philippine Astronomical Society invites the public to observe this special event with PAS members at the Manila Observatory roof deck, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. PAS will be setting up different telescopes with solar filter before the eclipse starts. - philastrosoc.org

on february 9, 2009, there'll also be a penumbral solar eclipse. this time, the whole eclipse will be visible locally.



it might not be that spectacular since the moon will only pass the penumbral shadow of earth, but there will still be a noticeable dimming of the full moon once it hits the greatest eclipse.
the greatest eclipse will be at 10:22 pm, Manila time.

let's hope for clear skies.

P.S.
for the year 2009, two solar and four lunar eclipses will occur.
2009 is the International Year of Astronomy.
February is the month for our National Astronomy Week. :)