A ring of fire eclipse will leave many across the planet stunned, as only the outer edges of the Sun will be left to light up the day. The annular solar eclipse, also known as the ring of fire eclipse as the Moon leaves only the outer edges of the Sun visible, will take place on Sunday, June 21. An annular solar eclipse differs from a total solar eclipse as the moon does not completely obscure the Sun as the Moon is farther away from us than normal, making it appear smaller.
As a result, the Sun is not totally eclipsed, leaving a ‘ring of fire’ around the edges.
Weather.com said: “Being smaller in size, the Moon fails to block all of the Sun’s light.
“Instead, Earth’s natural satellite only covers the Sun’s centre, leaving its outer edges visible and forming a ‘ring of fire’ effect in the sky.”
Even with the Moon obscuring the view, the Sun remains dangerous to look at.
NASA said: “At the peak of this eclipse, the middle of the Sun will appear to be missing and the dark Moon will appear to be surrounded by the bright Sun.
“Remember to never look directly at the Sun even during an eclipse. An annular eclipse occurs instead of a total eclipse when the Moon is on the far part of its elliptical orbit around the Earth.”
Sky at Night Magazine reiterated NASA’s warning: “It’s the most beautiful type of partial solar eclipse, but it’s also the most dangerous.
“All observers will need to wear solar eclipse glasses at all times, and attempts to photograph it will require special solar filters.”
READ MORE: Ring of fire solar eclipse 2020 live stream: How to watch?
“In many time zones, this eclipse will take place on the same day as the June solstice.
“This coincidence of an annular solar eclipse on the same day as the June solstice will only happen once again this century, on June 21, 2039.”
But it will be an early start for stargazers, with the eclipse beginning at 4.45am BST, with Time and Date broadcasting the event.
It will take almost three hours for the maximum eclipse to occur, with Time and Date stating a ‘ring of fire’ eclipse will be in its full at 7.40am BST.