Be ready for another solar eclipse that will grace the skies this week. The Moon will block the Sun again on October 2 making it appear as a ‘ring of fire’ from our perspective.
Notably, it will be an annular solar eclipse which is different from a total solar eclipse. Here’s all you need to know.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon is at or near its farthest point to Earth when it blocks the Sun. In contrast, it completely blocks the Sun during a total solar eclipse (see image below) a phase called ‘totality’, causing darkness and a drop in temperature.
Total solar eclipse, annular solar eclipse and partial solar eclipse (left to right). Image: NASA
Since the Moon fails to completely block the Sun during the annular eclipse, it appears as a dark disk and the Sun looks like a ring. There is no totality during an annular eclipse. This happens because the Moon orbits Earth in an elliptical orbit which often brings it to the farthest and nearest points from us.
There is a third type of eclipse – the partial solar eclipse when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not perfectly lined up and only a part of the Sun is covered.
ALSO SEE: Total Solar Eclipse Views Look Stunning From The Moon; NASA Releases Unseen Picture
Where will the eclipse be visible?
The annular solar eclipse will only be visible in South America, and a partial eclipse will be visible in South America, Antarctica, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, North America.
Path of the annular solar eclipse 2024. Image: NASA
It will begin at 9:17 pm IST and last for more than six hours.
Unfortunately, the eclipse will not be visible in India but you can watch it live on NASA’s livestream when it happens.
When is the next annular eclipse?
According to NASA, the next annular eclipse will occur on February 17, 2026 and it will only be visible in Antarctica. Regions over Africa, South America, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean will get to see a partial eclipse on the same day. But prior to the annular eclipse, there will be two partial ones on March 29 and September 21 next year.
On August 12, 2026, there will be a total solar eclipse visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and few other parts of Europe.
ALSO SEE: Total Solar Eclipse Leaves Viewers In Awe; Check Out These Stunning Pictures From Earth And Space
(Image: NASA)
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Publish date : 2024-09-29 21:14:00
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