This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
On Sunday, a rare 'ring of fire' solar eclipse will cast a shadow over a narrow band of Africa and Asia, with the longest duration occurring in northeastern Republic of Congo at 5:56 local time (04:56 GMT).
According to astronomer Florent Delefie of the Paris Observatory, the annular eclipse will be visible from about two percent of Earth's surface, with the 'ring of fire' visible for a maximum duration of 1 minute and 22 seconds.
As the eclipse moves eastward across Asia and Africa, it will reach its maximum point over Uttarakhand, India near the Sino-Indian border at 12:10 local time (6:40 GMT), with a perfect solar halo around the Moon.
However, the exact alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun will be visible for only 38 seconds, making it a fleeting moment for observers.
Delefie compared the eclipse to switching from a 500-watt to a 30-watt light bulb, noting that the 'cold light' will make it difficult to see as well.
Animals may also be affected by the eclipse, with birds sometimes going back to sleep and cows returning to the barn.
Weather conditions are critical for viewing the eclipse, with astrophysicist Fred Espenak warning that good weather is essential for successful eclipse viewing.
A solar eclipse always occurs about two weeks before or after a lunar eclipse, with the next solar eclipse scheduled for December 14, 2020, over South America.
