Sky gazers and scientists have all been counting down to witness today"s annular solar eclipse which will pass over parts of the Americas. A solar eclipse is nothing more than an alignment of the sun, Earth and moon that has the earth passing through the moon"s shadow. But why is the solar eclipse in today"s image different? It occurs when the moon is farthest from the Earth because of its elliptical orbit. When this happens, it appears smaller, letting the sun"s brilliance peek through and creating a halo—the "Ring of fire". Viewers in specific regions can witness this cosmic show, but please be cautious. This eclipse should not be looked at directly without wearing specialised eye protection.
Ring of fire solar eclipse
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, England
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Go fly a kite!
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When being in a rut is OK
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Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
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Flying the flag for Pride
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A little bird told me...
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Ride the wave
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An oasis in the desert
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Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India
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A beach of many colours
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A painters palette of natures hues
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
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An old bridge in a new light
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The ancient home of the Minoans
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Fish River Canyon, Namibia
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Holiday hues
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Where are these magnificent cliffs?
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New York City, USA
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Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Venice, Italy
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Cheetah in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
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A public restroom or a tourist spot?
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In the spotlight
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Man-made, meandering Lake Powell
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Modica, Sicily, Italy
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Season of light in the City of Light
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Whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
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Pretty in pink
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Back to the future
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Walking a rocky rainbow