What is a "Ring of Fire" (annular) eclipse?
Quick Answer: A "Ring of Fire" or annular eclipse happens when the Moon covers the center of the Sun but leaves a bright, thin ring visible around the edges. This occurs because the Moon is farther from Earth and appears smaller, so it doesn't block the Sun completely.
When the Moon orbits Earth, its distance changes. During an annular eclipse, the Moon is near its farthest point, so it looks smaller in the sky. That smaller Moon can't fully cover the Sun’s disk.
This creates a glowing ring, or "ring of fire," around the dark silhouette of the Moon. It’s different from a total solar eclipse, where the Moon blocks the Sun entirely. Annular eclipses still offer a stunning view but never get as dark as total eclipses.