TODAY marks the first solar eclipse of 2021 and it’s visible in lots of countries all over the world.
The partial eclipse will appear as a ‘ring of fire’ in some locations while in others it just appears to take a small chunk out of the Sun.
7
7
7
7
7
The ring of fire occurs during an annular or partial solar eclipse.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.
During an annular eclipse, the moon is far enough away from the Earth so the moon appears smaller than the sun in the sky.
As it appears to be smaller, it doesn’t completely block out the sun so when it passes in front of the sun it leaves a circular, orangey-red ring-like border to the human eye.
7
7
That effect is called an “annulus” or ring of fire around the moon.
People in northern Greenland, parts of nearby Baffin Bay, Canada, eastern Hudson Bay and northeastern Russia are in the path of the ‘ring of fire’ today.
People in the UK and the US may observe a slightly less spectacular dimming of the Sun, depending on the weather conditions in their area.
UK and US viewers started to experience the eclipse this morning although it did start before sunrise in many US states.
In the UK it started just after 10am but the peak isn’t till 11.13am – when the Moon will cover nearly one-third of the Sun.
The partial eclipse is expected to end at 12.22pm in the UK.
You can watch the TimeandDate livestream or the one at the top of this page.
LOOK TO THE SKY
Solar eclipse visible to millions round the world TODAY – live updates
THROWING SHADE
Solar eclipse explained – from total and partial to annular and hybrid
RING THE CHANGES
Ring of fire explained – solar eclipse phenomenon
SUN BLOCK
How to watch the solar eclipse safely
THE EYES HAVE IT
How to watch the solar eclipse in the UK and US
SPACE RACE
Richard Branson ‘plots trip to space next month’ – weeks BEFORE rival Jeff Bezos
In other news, billionaire Jeff Bezos has announced he’ll launch himself into space next month.
Acids may have destroyed any evidence of ancient life on Mars, according to a new study.
And, a Nasa has unveiled a new lunar lander that could put astronauts back on the Moon in 2024.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
