The last solar eclipse of 2019 will appear right after Christmas and will display a blazing “ring of fire” around its circumference, the result of what is known as an “annular eclipse.” The phenomenon will be visible in parts of the Eastern hemisphere.
An annular eclipse, derived from the Latin word meaning ring-shaped, is when the moon passes directly across the sun but is too distant from the Earth (and thus too small) to cover the entire sun. The result is that the sun’s light shines around the dark silhouette of the moon in a blazing spectacle, causing the “ring of fire.”
The celestial event will occur during the daytime on December 26 and will be visible in parts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia. But unfortunately, it will not appear in the skies over North America. This spectacular natural phenomenon will last approximately 3 minutes and 40 seconds. However, it is dangerous to look at the eclipse with the naked eye. Using proper eye protection gear is strongly recommended.
A total eclipse occurs when the cone of the moon’s darkest shadow (called the umbra) is cast upon the earth. However, when the tip of the umbra misses the earth, a “negative shadow” (antumbra) is cast, causing an annular eclipse instead—the ring of fire.
While the total eclipse that occurred last July crossed over mostly ocean expanses, this final eclipse of the year will be visible for millions, stretching a path across highly populated locations. That will include UAE, Qatar, Oman, parts of Southern India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Singapore, and even Guam in U.S. territory.
Virtually all of Asia, northern Africa, and parts of Australia will be able to witness a partial eclipse. That is when the moon crosses in front of the sun off center, leaving a crescent-shaped portion of the sun still visible.
As far as coming attractions, the next solar eclipse set to appear in the U.S. will occur on June 10, 2021.
