An annular solar eclipse which is a rare celestial event popularly called as the 'ring of fire' eclipse occurred on June 21, 2020. It was year's first solar eclipse taking place on the summer solstice which is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. As per the scientific prediction, the events meant to occur only twice in this century, i.e. in 2020 (occurred recently) and the next will take place on 21 June 2039.
Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Sun and the Earth blocking some or all of the sun’s rays from reaching the earth. By cosmic chance even though the sun is 400 times wider than the moon, it is also 400 times farther away. Therefore, the two objects appear the same size in our sky. Astronomers are able to predict eclipses have predictable orbits because of the earth and the moon.
Some highlights
- This was the first solar eclipse of 2020
- Countries that could witness the solar eclipse: Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan, India, China and Taiwan.
- It was visible in parts of north India, only four Indian states including Rajasthan, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand could observe this event. The rest of the country, however, could observe a partial eclipse
What is the Solar Eclipse?
- A Solar Eclipse occurs when the moon comes in between the sun and the Earth, due to which the moon blocks the sunlight from reaching the Earth which causes an eclipse of the sun or a solar eclipse.
Why is it that eclipse not there every month?
- The moon’s orbit is usually tilted a few degrees north or south in relation to the Earth. When the moon does eclipse the sun, it has two types of shadows on the earth, a smaller darker shadow known as the ‘Umbra’ and a larger shadow known as the ‘Penumbra’.
Types of Solar Eclipse:
During the Solar Eclipse, different types of solar concealment can be observed depending on the distance of the moon from the earth. There are four types of solar eclipses- total, partial, annular and hybrid.
- Partial eclipse: If the moon is not completely aligned with the sun, and thus only a portion of the sunlight is blocked from reaching earth. People within the penumbra shadow see only a partial eclipse. In this the moon passes the sun of center never fully covering its surface.
- Total eclipse: When the moon completely the sun’s surface. The sky is would get so dark that it seems to be night. A total eclipse can only be seen if are standing within the umbra shadow, that is why the imaginary line created by the shadow as it races across the earth is known as the path of totality.
- Annular Solar Eclipse: When the moon covers the sun, but the sun can be seen around the moon's edges giving an impression that the sun is a bright ring surrounding the moon's dark disc. In this event, the Moon covers the Sun from the center. This leaves the outer rim of the sun perceptible. The phenomenon is popularly known as the ‘ring of fire’.
Note: Annual Solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes through directly in front of the sun. However, unlike a total eclipse the moon appears too small to fully cover the sun. The moon’s orbit is elliptical, so sometimes it is closer to the earth and sometimes farther away.
Why the Eclipse is Observed only from Some region?
- The point marked A is along the straight line that connects the Moon with the Sun and therefore, at this point, the Moon will obstruct the central portion of the Sun, and one can see the annular solar eclipse.
- Through at point B, the Moon's direction is slightly away from the Sun's centre. So only a part of the Sun is obstructed. Hence, only a partial solar eclipse, at point B.
- At point C, the Moon's direction doesn't come at all in the way of the Sun. Hence at this point, there is no eclipse.
- Now, as the Earth revolves around its axis, points A, B, C will form a path on the Earth's surface. Those define the path of the eclipse.
Why the study of the solar eclipse is crucial?
- With a total solar eclipse, the scientists got a rare opportunity to study the lower regions of the sun's corona.
- These observations can help understand solar activity, as well as the unexpectedly high temperatures in the corona.
- NASA uses ground and space instruments to view this top layer during an annular eclipse when the moon blocks the glare of the sun.
Is it safe to view solar eclipses?
- NASA affirms that the sun can be seen safely with the naked eye only during a total eclipse (when it is completely dark), whereas it should not be viewed without proper equipment and techniques during partial and annular solar eclipses.
- Not using proper methods and equipment to view them can cause permanent damage to the eyes or severe loss of vision.
- Safety equipment comprises eclipse glasses and the use of suitable solar filters to cover binoculars, telescopes, and cameras.
How Frequently Do Solar Eclipses Occur?
- Most years have only two solar eclipses.
- The maximum number of solar eclipses that can occur in the same year is five, but this is rare.
- According to NASA calculations, 5 solar eclipses have occurred in only about 25 years in the past 5,000 years.
- The last time this happened was in 1935 and the next will be in
Solar Vs. Lunar Eclipses
- Although solar eclipses occur every year, they are considered to be a rare sight, much rarer than a lunar eclipse. This is because while a solar eclipse can only be seen from a limited path on Earth, a lunar eclipse can be seen from any location on the Earth's night side, while it occurs.
What is Summer Solstice (21st June)?
- It occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. It happens twice in a year, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern).
- The summer solstice for that hemisphere is when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest daylight period.
Within the Arctic circle (for the northern hemisphere) or the Antarctic circle (for the southern hemisphere), the daylight around the summer solstice is continuous. Earth's maximum axial tilt toward the Sun at the summer solstice is 23.44 °. Similarly, the celestial equator's declination from the Sun is 23.44 °.
You can also check about Solar System, Universe and Earth's Galaxy
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