Annular solar eclipse underway in India, 'ring of fire' visible in some parts

Today, India is witnessing an annular solar eclipse. An annular eclipse is one of the three kinds of solar eclipses, the other two being total and partial.

In any annular eclipse, the moon will be far away from the earth that its size fails to cover the Sun entirely. This leaves the outside rings visible, sometimes leaving a ring of fire blazing in the sky.

Today’s annular solar eclipse started at 9:15 am and will be on till 3:04 pm. In India, the eclipse was first witnessed in the city of Bhuj, Gujarat.

People have been advised not to look at the Sun directly as this can cause permanent damage to the retina. Special goggles and welder’s shields could be used to view the eclipse. The pin-hole imaging technique could also be used to safely view the eclipse.

Check out the path of the solar eclipse here: