Skywatchers in some parts of the world should look up this week as there is a chance of witnessing a hybrid solar eclipse.
Occurring on Wednesday or Thursday depending on your location, the upcoming celestial event is particularly special as it’s called a hybrid solar eclipse – the rarest type that accounts for just 4.8% of all solar eclipses. solar eclipses, according to NASA.
There are four types in all: a total solar eclipse, a partial solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse, and a hybrid solar eclipse.
A total eclipse is where the moon completely blocks the sun, while a partial eclipse results in a crescent shape. An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is around its furthest point from Earth and blocks out the sun to create a dramatic “ring of fire.”
Due to the curved surface of the Earth, an eclipse can sometimes change from annular to total as the moon’s shadow moves across the globe. This is called a hybrid solar eclipse.
The best place to view this week’s hybrid solar eclipse is in Australia and parts of Asia. But if you’re not in that part of the world, you can watch an eclipse live stream online.
Security
People watching online will be fine, but if watching the eclipse in person, be sure to follow all appropriate instructions. safety advice established by NASA or you could risk permanent damage to your eyesight.
How to watch
The NASA live stream will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 19. You can watch it on the embedded video player at the top of this page or by visiting The NASA YouTube Channel. The space agency will share live telescope views of the rare phenomenon, with experts on hand to talk more about it.
If you are watching from Australia, the eclipse will occur on Thursday, April 20, local time. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation offers a full range distribution of schedules for different locations across the country.
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