annular eclipse
Plural
annular eclipses
1
a type of solar eclipse where the moon, passing between the earth and the sun, appears smaller than the sun, creating a ring of sunlight around the darkened moon
- During an annular eclipse, observers in the path of the eclipse see a ring of sunlight encircling the Moon, creating a spectacular "ring of fire" effect.
- An annular eclipse differs from a total solar eclipse because the Moon's apparent size does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a visible ring of sunlight.
- The path of an annular eclipse can be narrower than that of a total eclipse, and the duration of the ring phase varies depending on the relative distances between the Earth, Moon, and Sun.
- Astronomers use special filters or equipment to safely observe an annular eclipse, as looking directly at the Sun can cause eye damage.
- People travel to specific locations along the eclipse path to experience and photograph the unique spectacle of an annular eclipse.