Solar Eclipse 2021: When, where and how to watch the rare 'Ring of Fire' eclipse

Sky gazers are in for another treat! The new moon will sweep in front of the sun to create this year's first solar eclipse (surya grahan) on Thursday, June 10. This will be an annular solar eclipse, also called the "Ring of Fire". However, in some locations, it will be observed as a Partial Solar Eclipse.

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

A solar eclipse or Surya Grahan occurs when the Sun's light does not reach the Earth as our planet's only natural satellite – the Moon – comes in between, blocking out the sunlight. The eclipse, that is moon covering the sun, can be partial, total or annular.

An annular eclipse happens when the moon is farthest from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it seems smaller and does not block the entire view of the sun. Instead of blocking the sun's light, a 'Ring of Fire' is created around the Moon.

Date and time of first Solar Eclipse 2021

The annular solar eclipse 2021 is just a week away and will take place next Thursday, i.e., June 10.

As per Timeanddate.com, the 2021 annular solar eclipse event will start at 01:42 PM (IST) and will be visible to sky gazers until 06:41 PM (IST).

Where to watch Solar Eclipse 2021

The eclipse will be visible from India but only in a few states in the east like Arunachal Pradesh. NASA stated that it will be visible from parts of Russia, Canada, and Greenland. It will first be seen in northern Ontario and the north side of Lake Superior, both in Canada. It is expected to be visible for about three minutes in Canada.

At its peak, it will be visible from Greenland where people will be able to see the Ring of Fire. After that, it will also be seen in Siberia and the North Pole.

There will be a total of four eclipses this year – two lunar and two solar – of which, only the first lunar eclipse 2021 has so far been witnessed.