A hybrid solar eclipse, which will occur on Thursday, April 20, will see the moon obscure the sun.
On average, hybrid solar eclipses take place just a few times a century. This week, a remarkable celestial occurrence is taking place.
As the moon’s shadow advances across the Earth’s surface, this sort of eclipse changes from a total solar eclipse to an annular (ring-shaped) eclipse. The following hybrid solar eclipse won’t happen until 2031, as the previous one did in 2013. The next time skywatchers can observe the stars is on March 23, 2164.
According to In the Sky, the event will be visible from the South Pacific, with the moon’s shadow crossing western Australia, East Timor, and Indonesia between 9:36 p.m. EDT on April 19 and 2:59 a.m. EDT (0659 GMT) on April 20.
Even if the eclipse’s path doesn’t go across your area, you can still see it: Numerous no-cost livestreams will bring the cosmic action directly to the screen of your choice.
For instance, TimeAndDate.com will webcast a live event starting at 9:30 p.m. EDT on April 19 (0130 GMT on April 20) on their YouTube channel.
Beginning at 10:00 p.m. EDT on April 19 (02:00 a.m. GMT on April 20), The Gravity Discovery Centre & Observatory near Perth, Australia will also broadcast the eclipse live on their YouTube channel.
Only two places on Earth will be able to observe the hybrid eclipse as it changes from an annular to a total and back again; sadly, both are located in isolated ocean regions.
Never gaze at the sun with your unaided eye, whether you’re watching the eclipse in person or online utilizing one of these livestreams. Even during an eclipse, doing so can harm someone’s vision permanently. If you intend to witness this or any other eclipse, be sure to read our instructions on how to observe the sun safely.
These producers offer trustworthy solar eclipse glasses and solar filters that adhere to global standards if you intend to view this or any other eclipse in person.
Another safe way to observe the sun is with a pinhole camera, which you can create at home with relative ease.
Check out our advice on how to shoot a solar eclipse as well as our lists of the finest astrophotography cameras and lenses if you’re hoping to capture images of the eclipse or any other celestial event.