What Is an Annular Eclipse?

An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun but does not completely cover it. During an annular eclipse, the Moon appears slightly smaller than the Sun in the sky, and a ring of sunlight, or an “annulus,” is visible around the edge of the Moon.

This happens because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is not perfectly circular but slightly elliptical, and when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth, it appears smaller in the sky. This means that when it passes in front of the Sun, it does not completely block it out.

Annular eclipses are less common than total eclipses, which occur when the Moon completely covers the Sun, and they are visible only in certain parts of the world. During an annular eclipse, it is still dangerous to look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, as the Sun’s bright light can cause permanent eye damage.

Annular eclipses can be a spectacular astronomical event, with the “ring of fire” effect of the Sun shining around the edges of the Moon creating a stunning visual display.

On Oct. 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America. Visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America, millions of people in the Western Hemisphere can experience this eclipse. But what is an annular eclipse? Why does it happen? And why does it create a “ring of fire” in the sky?

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