On the 26th of December, 2019, India was host to an intriguing celestial event – an annular solar eclipse. The eclipse reached a magnitude of 0.97, with a maximum duration of totality lasting 3 minutes and 39 seconds. Viewing locations varied across the country, but parts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu offered full views of this prominent natural spectacle nicknamed the “Ring of Fire.”
About The ‘Ring of Fire’ Phenomenon
The term ‘Ring of Fire’ is unique to the annular solar eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the sun resembles a ring, also known as an annulus – granting the event its name, the annular eclipse. Cheruvathur, located in Kasaragod district, Kerala, was one of the three global locations where visibility of the solar eclipse was optimal. Partial phases were visible across India, although the visibility magnitude depended on the geographical locations.
This occurrence wasn’t exclusive to India. Other countries that could view this event included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
Explaining Eclipse Magnitude
Eclipse magnitude is a term used to describe how much of the Sun’s diameter is obscured by the moon. It’s important not to confuse eclipse magnitude with obscuration – which refers to the percentage of the Sun’s surface area covered by the Moon. Eclipse magnitude can be expressed either as a percentage or as a decimal fraction (e.g., 50% or 0.50), and the value is traditionally given at the moment of greatest eclipse.
Introduction to Solar Eclipses
A solar eclipse is a celestial event that transpires when the Moon interposes itself in the path of sunlight, casting its shadow upon Earth and blocking out the Sun’s illumination. The Moon’s shadow is composed of two areas: a central region (umbra) and an outer region (penumbra). Depending on which part of the shadow sweeps across the Earth, one of three possible types of solar eclipses can be observed:
| Eclipse Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Solar Eclipse | The entire central portion of the sun is blocked out by the moon. |
| Partial Solar Eclipse | Only part of the sun’s surface is blocked out. |
| Annular Solar Eclipse | The sun is covered such that only a small ring-like sliver of light is seen from the sun’s disc. This ring is known as the ring of fire. |
The Uniqueness of an Annular Eclipse
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is at its furthest point from Earth, appearing smaller due to the distance, and thus, incapable of entirely obstructing our view of the Sun. This is what leads to the formation of the symbolic ‘ring of fire.’
