In recent news, one of the three prime locations worldwide for viewing the solar eclipse on December 26, 2019, was Cheruvathur in Kasaragod district, Kerala. This event was an annular solar eclipse, and spectators could witness the unique phenomena known as the ‘ring of fire’.
Understanding the Phenomenon of Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon obstructs the sun’s light. The moon’s shadow is cast on Earth, which blocks the sunlight as viewed from the planet. There are two parts to the moon’s shadow: a central area known as the umbra, and an outer region called the penumbra.
Based on which section of the shadow covers Earth, there are three types of solar eclipses that can be observed:
Types of Solar Eclipses
1. Total Solar Eclipse: Here, the entire central part of the sun is concealed by the moon.
2. Partial Solar Eclipse: In this type, just a section of the sun’s surface is obscured.
3. Annular Solar Eclipse: This situation happens when a small ring-like portion of sunlight is visible from the sun’s disc. This distinctive ring is referred to as the ‘ring of fire’.
An annular eclipse transpires when the moon is at its furthest point from Earth. Due to the moon’s increased distance, it appears smaller and cannot entirely obstruct the sun’s view. This formation leads to the visibility of the ring-like structure.
Solar Eclipse Frequency
| Type of Eclipse | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Total Solar Eclipse | Approximately once every 1.5 years |
| Partial Solar Eclipse | At least twice a year |
An Overview of the Annular Eclipse in Cheruvathur, Kerala
On December 26, 2019, viewers in Cheruvathur had a clear view of an annular solar eclipse. The phenomenon, known as the ‘ring of fire’, was clearly visible. This occurrence is unique to annular eclipses caused by the moon being at its farthest point from the Earth, making it appear smaller and unable to completely shield the sun’s light.
In this spectacular celestial event, the moon covered the sun in such a way that only a tiny, ring-like sliver of light was seen from the sun’s disc. This particular positioning of the moon and the sun gave onlookers the opportunity to witness one of the most remarkable events in astronomy.