solar eclipse: “Ring Of Fire” Solar Eclipse set for February 17 – Why penguins get the front-row seat
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse is the term used for the alignment of the Sun, Moon and Earth in a straight line. The Moon will be in the central position and when it passes between the other two, it will temporarily cast a shadow on the Earth, preventing us from seeing the Sun. There are also different types of solar eclipses: total, annular, partial and hybrid. The type visible depends on the Moon’s distance from Earth and how accurate the alignment is.
Why is it called “Ring of Fire”?
“Ring of fire” is another name given to an annular solar eclipse and is also appropriate for this event. During such an eclipse, the Moon is at or near the Earth. As a result, when it comes between the Sun and the Earth, it does not completely cover the Sun we see, but leaves behind a bright ring of light surrounding it. This bright circle is the defining feature of an annular eclipse.
Exact Timing of the February 17 Eclipse
According to TimeAndDate, the annular solar eclipse on February 17 will begin at 9:56 a.m. UTC, begin near the annulus (when the Moon slaps in front of the Sun) at 12:12 UTC, and end at 14:27 UTC. While the eclipse will last for long hours from its beginning to its end, the moment when the “ring of fire” will be visible will be short-lived and limited to a certain region.
Why Do Penguins Get the Best Views?
The annularity will only be visible from Antarctica. The ring-shaped path through which the “ring of fire” can be seen will be almost 2,661 miles (4,282 kilometers) long and 383 miles (616 km) wide. This narrow corridor crosses West Antarctica and grazes the Davis Sea coast of the Southern Ocean. Because there is no permanent civilian settlement in this region, he has a clearer, more direct view of Antarctica’s wildlife than almost anyone else on the planet.
Who Will See the Partial Eclipse?
Certain parts of the world will be able to watch a partial view of the eclipse, but this is limited to parts of Southern Africa and parts of South America. Still, there are almost 176,000,000 people (and a few penguins) who can view any part of the eclipse, which is no small number.
The partial phase will also be visible beyond land, across Antarctica and in parts of the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic and Southern oceans, allowing observers to see the Moon taking small “bites” from the Sun.
What’s Next?
The annular solar eclipse that will take place on February 6, 2027, after the ‘ring of fire’ on February 17, can be watched from Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
FAQ:
Q1. What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, blocking sunlight. This alignment causes the Moon’s shadow to fall on the Earth.
Q2. What is a “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse?
It is another term for annular solar eclipse. The Moon appears smaller than the Sun, leaving a bright ring visible.
