Star watchers have something to look forward to this year. This June, you’ll get to see both a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse in the same month. The lunar eclipse will take place on June 5th, and the solar eclipse will follow on June 21st.
Rare and Spectacular
It’s extremely rare to have two visible eclipses in the same month. Even more astonishing, the solar eclipse promises to be an unusually spectacular “annular” or “ring of fire” eclipse.
What’s that? Read on to find out.
Explaining Eclipses
Eclipses are fascinating astronomical events that cause a planet to be hidden from view.
A solar eclipse happens during a new moon, when the moon passes between the earth and the sun to cover the sun from view. You can only see a solar eclipse from certain parts of the world.
A lunar eclipse can only take place during a full moon, when the moon blocks the sun from view. This can happen when the sun, earth and moon are all in perfect alignment with each other. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere in the world.
What’s Special About the 2020 Eclipses
The June 21 solar eclipse will be what’s known as an annular or “ring of fire” eclipse. That means it will look like a dark planet surrounded by a glowing band.
As the Space Tourism Guide explains, “During annularity, the sun is completely darkened, and the sky goes dark as well. Imagine sunset, dusk and sunrise all occurring in less than five minutes. Meanwhile, the sun is a great fiery ring in the sky. That’s what annularity is like during an annular eclipse.”
According to eclipse expert Jamie Carter, the so-called Strawberry Moon Lunar Eclipse will also be worth seeing, but the solar eclipse will be the true star of the skies.
How to Watch the Eclipses
As gorgeous as a solar eclipse is, you should only look at it using the right eyewear.
- Use specially made eclipse glasses or solar viewers to look at the eclipse.
- Don’t point a camera, binoculars or other devices at it.
- Do not look directly at the eclipse.
If you can’t find solar viewers, you can make your own pinhole viewer.
Stay safe while you enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
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