BellaOnline Forums Education Astronomy Solar Eclipse May 20 - coming to your sky?

There's an annular solar eclipse on May 20. In an annular eclipse, although the Moon is lined up with the Sun and the Earth, the new moon is far enough away from us that it doesn't quite cover the Sun. So there's a a ring of sunlight around the Moon, as shown in the picture.

A partial or annular eclipse will be visible (weather permitting!) from eastern Asia through western North America. Map & details May 20, 2012 eclipse

I wish it were coming my way, but the weather's been so foul, it would probably be clouded out anyhow!

You can find out more about solar eclipses by clicking here.

I have never witnessed a solar eclipse in my life...(sighs). When will I get to?

There was a total eclipse in India in 2009, but, of course, it's a big country. Here's a map that shows eclipses up to 2020. Total & annual solar eclipse paths.

People aren't usually lucky enough to have an eclipse come to them. Many people travel to the eclipse. That's how I saw the only solar eclipse I witnessed.

WARNING! Do NOT look at the Sun without approved eye protection.

If you need eclipse viewers for any upcoming solar events, Astronomy without Borders is selling them in bulk at reasonable prices. Great for group viewing. And the proceeds go to their great work in taking astronomy to the people worldwide.

http://www.astronomerswithoutborders.org/support-awb/awb-merchandise.html

Thanks to Universe Today for spotting an Amazon offer on eclipse viewers. This is a set of 5 for $7 � good for the family or sharing with a few friends.

Amazon pack of eclipse glasses

I have some trouble interpreting the NASA eclipse path map, but this site has an animation and a colored map. Lucky folk in eastern Asia and the western US!

Eclipse May 20, 2012

Don't forget your eye protection!

Someone has found a site that will give you times and animations that are closer to your locality.

Annular eclipse of the Sun May 20-21 2012

Scroll down to "local circumstances and animations" to find something near you.

Don't look at the Sun during an annular eclipse without the correct eye protection - sun glasses don't give protection and may increase the damage to your eyes.

For everyone that can't see the annular solar eclipse in person, Sky & Telescope has listed a number of sites that will be streaming it live. You can choose your site from this selection of eclipse broadcasts.

I am quite taken with the netcast from Fujiyama. It seems they will start broadcasting today (May 19) at 22.00 UTC because their crew is going to climb the mountain before doing the live broadcast. They are carrying solar batteries up so that the whole thing will rely on solar power! Watch here.