Annular Solar Eclipse: How is it different from total and partial solar eclipse?

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Annular Solar Eclipse: How is it different from total and partial solar eclipse?
Annular Solar Eclipse: How is it different from total and partial solar eclipse?

New Delhi : The annular solar eclipse is set for June 21 as it will start at 09:15 am (IST) and will remain till 03:04 pm (IST). While it will not be visible to half of the countries, it will be seen by much of Asia, Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, parts of Europe and Australia.

On June 21, the eclipse will be in a way that Sun will be seen forming a 'ring of fire' in the sky. This happens to be the first solar eclipse of 2020. For unversed, solar eclipse is a phenomenon when the sun, the new moon and the earth come in straight line alignment; the moon blocks the disc of the sun, casting a shadow on the earth’s surface which causes an eclipse.

Annular Solar Eclipse Date and Time

In 2020, India will witness the phenomenon from 09:15 am to 03:04 pm both IST. The full eclipse will begin from 10:17 am and will be visible until 2:02 pm. The maximum eclipse will occur at 12:10 pm.

The prime segment of the solar eclipse where only ring-like structure is visible ranges for around 11-12 minutes. The last time there was an annular solar eclipse, it was December 26, 2019. Before that the event occurred on September 1, 2016, and January 15, 2010.

It must be noted that to watch annular solar eclipse, one must have proper eye protection gear to ensure safety of eyes. A more safe option would be to project the image of the sun and the eclipse using a pinhole projector.

How it is different from total or partial solar eclipse?

When it comes to total solar eclipse, the moon totally covers the sun; it occurs when the new moon comes between the sun and the earth and casts the darkest part of its shadow, called the umbra, on earth.

During this, it becomes dark like an evening with no sunlight. The next total solar eclipse is likely on December 14 this year.

Now, talking about partial solar eclipse, the moon crosses in front of the sun off centre, leaving a crescent-shaped portion of the sun visible. This happens when the moon comes between the sun and the earth but the moon only partially covers the sun’s disk.

During this, the three celestial body does not come in straight line. The moon casts only the outer part of its shadow, called the penumbra, on earth.

Are you excited to watch the annular solar eclipse? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.