Context:
A rare “annular” solar eclipse occurred recently when the Moon will partially cover the middle part of the Sun, making it appear like a “ring of fire.”
About Solar Eclipse:
- Solar eclipses happen only at the new moon phase, when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun.
- It obstructs the sun’s light from reaching our planet.
- As a result, the moon’s shadow is projected onto the earth.
- 3 types –
- Partial solar eclipse: When the sun, moon and earth are not exactly lined up.
- Total solar eclipse: When the sun, moon and earth must be in a direct line.
- Annular solar eclipse: A specific type of total solar eclipse that occurs when the sun, moon, and earth align not only in a straight line but also within the same plane.
What is Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse?
- An annular eclipse is what happens when the Moon is at its farthest point from the Earth during a solar eclipse.
- Since the Moon is so far away, it cannot completely block out the Sun.
- Instead, it will only block out the middle bit, creating a “ring of fire” effect.
Related Information
Baily’s beads effect (Diamond ring effect) – A feature of total and annular solar eclipses
- As the moon goes by the Sun during a solar eclipse, the lunar limb topography allows beads of sunlight to shine through in some places, and not in others. The effect is caused due to the rugged lunar surface.
- The diamond ring effect is seen when only one bead is left, a shining diamond set in a bright ring around the lunar silhouette.
- Diamond ring is observed during solar eclipse, only along the peripheral regions of the totality trail.
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
The terms ‘Event Horizon’, ‘Singularity’, ‘String Theory’ and ‘Standard Model’ are sometimes seen in the news in the context of
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) Observation and understanding of the Universe
(b) Study of the solar and the lunar eclipses
(c) Placing satellites in the orbit of the Earth
(d) Origin and evolution of living organisms on the Earth
Answer: (a)
