Rare Hybrid Solar Eclipse on April 20

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon blocks out the rays of the sun while passing between the sun and earth along its elliptical orbit. During a solar eclipse, people living in the areas where the moon’s shadow falls, experience complete darkness. 

On April 20, we will experience the first solar eclipse of the year. What makes it so special is that it will be a hybrid one. Solar eclipses are usually either annular eclipses or total solar eclipses, but a hybrid solar eclipse is a mix of the two. According to NASA, the curvature of the earth’s surface is what causes hybrid solar eclipses. Hybrid solar eclipses are a rare celestial occurrence. The last hybrid solar eclipse occurred in 2013 and the next one will happen in 2031. During a hybrid solar eclipse, the sun can be seen forming a ring of light around the moon for a few seconds. 

Although we may not be able to see the hybrid eclipse from India, people living in Australia and in certain parts of southeast Asia will get to view the spectacle.