An annular and partial solar eclipse will be visible in some parts of the world on Thursday.
Stargazers in Canada, Greenland and Northern Russia will see most of the Sun blocked by the Moon, creating a "ring of fire" around it, a phenomenon in astronomy described as an annular eclipse.
On the same evening, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of the eastern United States, Northern Alaska, Canada, parts of the Caribbean, Europe and North Africa.
“A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth, fully or partially blocking the Sun’s light in some areas,” US space agency Nasa said.
“During an annular eclipse, the Moon is far enough away from Earth that the Moon appears smaller than the Sun in the sky.
“Since the Moon does not block the entire view of the Sun, it will look like a dark disc on top of a larger, bright disc. This creates what looks like a ring of fire around the Moon.”
It is important to wear solar viewing or eclipse glasses when observing the event, because it is unsafe to look directly at the Sun.
Nasa lists the timings of the eclipse on its website. The agency will also livestream the event.
Last month, a total lunar eclipse was visible in parts of the US, Australia, South America and East Asia, with the Moon taking on a reddish glow.
On June 24, the last supermoon of the year will appear in skies and will be visible from the UAE.
Lunar eclipse around the world in 2018 – in pictures
-
Skygazers in the UAE witnessed the longest lunar eclipse this century. Pawan Singh/ The National -
The moon is called a "blood moon" when it turns a deep red, Pawan Singh/ The National -
The moon changes hues from bright white to blood dark red as the sun’s rays are reflected through the earth’s atmosphere Pawan Singh/ The National -
Conditions in the UAE said to make it one of the best places in the world to watch the event. Pawan Singh/ The National -
It is almost the longest lunar eclipse theoretically possible. Pawan Singh/ The National -
It will be the longest eclipse between the years of 2001 and 2100. Pawan Singh/ The National -
North America missed out on Friday's lunar eclipse. Pawan Singh/ The National -
The fullest eclipse was visible from Europe, Russia, Africa, the Middle East, much of Asia and Australia. Pawan Singh/ The National -
The next lunar eclipse is not due until 2131. Pawan Singh/ The National -
Mars, at its closest point to Earth since 2003, could also be seen as a bright red star. Pawan Singh/ The National -
Pawan Singh/ The National -
Pawan Singh/ The National -
The UAE was one of the best places to view the lunar eclipse. Pawan Singh/ The National -
Skygazers came out to watch the celestial event. Pawan Singh/ The National -
Pawan Singh/ The National
