When the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, a solar eclipse happens. But as 2019 comes to an end, sky gazers can witness an “annular solar eclipse” which is also called a “ring of fire eclipse”.
According to Forbes, during an annular eclipse, the Moon doesn’t cover the Sun completely and a ring shape (or annulus) is visible around it. At its maximum, the Moon blocks 97% of the Sun which is why the halo of fire appears.
When can we witness this event?
According to NDTV, the last solar eclipse of the year will be seen for three minutes and 40 seconds on Thursday, December 26 between 9 am and 12.30 pm. The southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala will see the eclipse in its entirety while the rest of the country can see it partially. Here are some of the previous ones captured on camera.
Eclipse of May 21, 2012, from Japan.
The annular solar eclipse of January 4, 2011, captured by NASA’s Hinode satellite.
The solar annular eclipse of January 15, 2010, shot from China.
How can we see this event?
Wearing eye protection is a must while looking at the sky as watching the Sun with naked eyes is not advised. Space.com recommends indirect viewing through pin-hole cameras or investing in glasses made from special-purpose solar filters.
In case you miss this celestial event, the next annular solar eclipse can be seen on June 21, 2020, and a lunar eclipse on January 10, 2020.