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Annular solar eclipse: Crowds in Asia gather to see 'ring of fire'

The 'ring of fire' eclipse witnessed across Asia

People across Asia are witnessing an annular solar eclipse, which is also known as a "ring of fire".

Crowds have gathered to watch the natural phenomenon in a number of countries, including Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and Saudi Arabia.

In an annular eclipse, the moon covers the centre of the Sun, giving the appearance of a bright ring.

There are usually two solar eclipses on Earth every year, and they occur only when the Earth is completely or partially in the Moon's shadow.

AFP/Getty Images The Moon starts to move in front of the Sun in a rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse, as seen from Wan Twin in central Myanmar (Burma). Photo: 26 December 2019AFP/Getty Images
The solar eclipse as seen earlier from central Myanmar
AFP Children uses eclipse glasses to watch a rare "ring of fire" solar eclipse in Wan Twin in central Myanmar on December 26, 2019AFP
Children use special glasses to watch the eclipse in Wan Twin, Myanmar

The previous solar eclipse was on 2 July and was visible almost exclusively over South America. The next total solar eclipse will be on 14 December 2020, and will be visible across parts of southern Chile and Argentina, as well as south-west Africa and Antarctica.

Alignment of Sun, Moon and Earth
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