Discover the rare celestial event of the century - the hybrid solar eclipse 2023. Witness the 'ring of fire' in Australia and Southeast Asia.
Rare ‘Hybrid Solar Eclipse’ 2023: A Celestial Event for the Century
The first solar eclipse of the year is just around the corner and it promises to be a rare and spectacular event. This unique phenomenon is being referred to as a ‘hybrid solar eclipse’ as it combines characteristics of both total and annular solar eclipses. In this article, we will delve deeper into what a hybrid solar eclipse is, how it's formed, and where and when it can be observed.
What is a ‘Hybrid Solar Eclipse’?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the earth in such a way that it blocks the sunlight, creating a shadow on the earth's surface. A total eclipse occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun, while an annular eclipse occurs when the moon obscures the sun but appears smaller, leaving the outline of a solar ring. A hybrid solar eclipse occurs when both a total and annular eclipse occurs at the same time due to the curvature of the earth's surface and shift from an annular to a total eclipse.
How is a ‘Hybrid Solar Eclipse’ Formed?
As mentioned earlier, a hybrid solar eclipse is formed due to the curvature of the earth's surface and the shift from an annular to a total eclipse. During this phenomenon, the sun forms a ring shape, also known as the ‘ring of fire,’ for a few seconds around the moon. This event can be witnessed by people in certain areas of the world where the eclipse can be observed.
When and Where Can It Be Observed?
The hybrid solar eclipse of 2023 will occur on Thursday, April 20. Skywatchers in Australia and certain areas of Southeast Asia, as it passes over the Indian and Pacific Oceans, will be able to witness this event. However, this spectacular event will not be visible in India, as confirmed by NASA. In Western Australia, the eclipse will be visible from 10:29 pm to 10:35 pm EDT on April 19 (2:29 to 2:35 GMT, April 20). East Timor will see the eclipse from 11:19 pm to 11:22 pm EDT on April 19 (3:19 to 3:22 GMT, April 20). Meanwhile, Indonesia will witness the eclipse from 11:23 pm to 11:58 pm EDT on April 19 (3:23 to 3:58 GMT, April 20).
When Will the Next ‘Hybrid Solar Eclipse’ Occur?
A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare event that only occurs a few times in a century. The last one was observed in 2013 and the next one is set to occur in 2031. Skywatchers of the next century will witness a hybrid solar eclipse on March 23, 2164, according to Space.com.
