What is an annular solar eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse is a celestial event that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but does not completely block the Sun. This is due to the fact that the Moon's orbit is elliptical and its distance from the Earth varies, causing its apparent size to vary as well. When the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth and passes in front of the Sun, it does not completely cover the solar disk, leaving a bright ring or annulus around the Moon's silhouette.

Annular solar eclipses are not as rare as total solar eclipses and can occur several times a decade, but are only visible from a narrow strip of the Earth's surface. The path of the annular eclipse is called the path of annularity, and viewers within this path can observe the event as a partial eclipse or as an annular eclipse if they are located in the central track of the Moon's shadow.

Viewing an annular solar eclipse requires special eye protection, as looking directly at the Sun can cause permanent eye damage. Specialized solar viewing glasses or telescopes with solar filters should be used to safely view the eclipse.