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 09:55 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Not everyone beneath its path has been so lucky to witness it.

[21 June 2020 10:27 · anthony.cuthbertson]

Here's a great timelapse of the annularity captured by AFP.

[21 June 2020 10:38 · anthony.cuthbertson]

That's it for the 21 June 2020 eclipse. Solar eclipses are always accompanied by a lunar eclipse, which will take place on 4-5 July over the Americas.

The livestream has of today's solar eclipse has closed but you can see a replay of the various annular events throughout the world in this video. Skip to around two hours in to see arguably the best annularity over Sirsa, India.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed-ivNY&feature=emb_title

[21 June 2020 10:49 · anthony.cuthbertson]

There's not too long to wait for the next solar eclipse. Less than six months until a total solar eclipse on 10 December 2020, which will pass over South America and the southern tip of Africa.

The next annular eclipse takes place on 10 June 2021, which will pass directly over Canada and Greenland. It will also be partially visible across parts of Europe, but the best chance to see one in the skies over the UK will be in 2026, when it skirts right past.

Thanks for joining us, and enjoy the rest of the longest day of the year, wherever you are in the world!