Solar eclipse 2020 as it happened: Coverage of rare 'annular' event that passed directly over 12 countries

What is an annular solar eclipse?

The arrival of the 2020 Summer Solstice coincided with a rare type of annular solar eclipse on Sunday.

The Moon’s distance from the Earth meant that it did not completely block out the Sun, creating what some astronomers refer to as a “ring of fire”.

The path of totality – when the Earth, Moon and Sun are perfectly aligned – passed from west to east over 12 countries on 21 June.

A partial eclipse was also visible at various times in dozens of other countries, though poor weather across South East Asia made viewing difficult.

A live stream of the eclipse was broadcast as it passed directly over Africa, the Middle East and Asia (skip to around two hours in to see the full annularity over India).

You can also read The Independent's live coverage of the 2020 solar eclipse.

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Key Points

• Map showing the countries where the total (and partial) eclipse is visible
• Time the eclipse is first and last visible

[21 June 2020 03:51 · anthony.cuthbertson]

As the Sun rises on the longest day of the year, billions of people around the world will be witness to a spectacular "annular" solar eclipse, whereby a perfect "ring of fire" forms around the Moon as it passes in front of the Sun.

These two events will not coincide again until 2039, while the path of totality also presents a rare opportunity for people across 12 countries and two continents to watch it. (Dozens more countries will see a partial eclipse.) 

We'll have all the latest weather reports for the locations the eclipse passes over, as well as updates of its progress around the world.

[21 June 2020 03:57 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Nasa has helpfully created a map showing the path of totality for today's eclipse.

[21 June 2020 04:04 · anthony.cuthbertson]

That shows where the total eclipse will occur, but a partial eclipse will also be visible as far north as Europe and as far south as Australia – just.

We'll have a live stream available in a couple of hours when the total eclipse passes over Oman, allowing anyone to watch it no matter where they are in the world.

[21 June 2020 04:17 · anthony.cuthbertson]

We're less than an hour away from when people will be able to see the eclipse for the first time.

It will begin over central Africa before making its way east across the Middle East and Asia. Here's a handy list of useful times compiled by Timeanddate.

[21 June 2020 04:23 · anthony.cuthbertson]

The same people have also put together this map to show just how far north and south it will be possible to see the partial eclipse.

[21 June 2020 04:30 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Any amateur astronomers or photographers out there might be interested in this article explaining how to safely see and photograph today's eclipse.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/solar-eclipse-2020-how-to-see-where-time-june-photo-a9575986.html

[21 June 2020 04:46 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Let's not forget, today is also the longest day of the year.

Celebrations for the 2020 Summer Solstice have been somewhat muted due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning Stone Henge is a lot more quiet than usual this year.

English Heritage cancelled celebrations and urged people to stay away.

But that didn't stop everyone, as this picture shows.

[21 June 2020 04:49 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Fortunately, English Heritage has made it possible to watch the sunrise at Stone Henge via a live stream.

Sun rise takes place in about 5 minutes at 04.52 BST.

[21 June 2020 04:52 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Happy Summer Solstice!

[21 June 2020 05:02 · anthony.cuthbertson]

As the sun rises, the eclipse is beginning to make itself visible over central Africa. There are a lot of great gifs showing the path it will take: here's one animation created by Nasa 20 years ago to demonstrate what will happen today.