Annular Solar Eclipse May 20 2012

– “For You To Enjoy And Share With Friends” –

A Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. The Sun is therefore obscured to some extent from an Earth observer. An annular Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon’s diameter appears to be smaller than that of the Sun. The eclipse then looks like a gold ring with a black centre, hence the term ‘annular’ or ‘Ring of Fire’. In a total eclipse the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. An annular eclipse is therefore just a partial eclipse.

Eclipses are natural phenomena, however in ancient times it was thought that eclipses were the result of supernatural causes and were bad omens. You can imagine how frightening eclipses could be as the Sun would seem to disappear during the day.

All eclipses should be viewed with suitable eye guards such as colored filtered glasses. Never look at the sun with the naked eye as the resulting damage could be irreversible.