Annular Eclipse: The Ring of Fire

Explanation: Today, a few lucky people will see a “ring of fire.” That's a name for the central view of an annular eclipse of the Sun by the Moon . At the peak of this eclipse , the middle of the Sun will appear to be missing and the dark Moon will appear to be surrounded by the bright Sun. This will only be visible , however, from a path that crosses the Pacific Ocean . From most locations at most times, including most of eastern Asia and western North America , the Moon will only appear to take a bite out the Sun . In east Asia, the rising Sun will appear partially eclipsed on the morning of June 11. Simultaneously, in much of North America , the same eclipsed sun will appear to be setting on June 10. Remember to never look directly at the Sun even during an eclipse. An annular eclipse occurs instead of a total eclipse when the Moon is on the far part of its elliptical orbit around the Earth . The next annular eclipse of the Sun will take place in 2003 May, although a total eclipse will occur later this year in early December. Pictured above , a spectacular annular eclipse was photographed behind palm trees on 1992 January.