Ningaloo Eclipse 2023: Know best place to witness rare ‘hybrid’ eclipse on April 20

A hybrid solar eclipse is set to occur on April 20 this year. Astronomy enthusiasts are ready for such an extraordinary event. This 'hybrid' solar eclipse is named the 'Ningaloo Eclipse' which only occurs once every 400 years.

While people are excited about this unique occurrence, it will not be seen in India.

The Ningaloo Eclipse will go from an annular to a complete eclipse before returning to an annular eclipse. The total solar eclipse will have the shadow of the moon pass over the Ningaloo region in a 40-kilometer-wide track. While during the annular solar eclipse, the Moon does not completely block out the Sun but looks like an overlaid disc on the Sun, giving it a "ring of fire" appearance.

Which is the best place to witness the rare Ningaloo Eclipse?

The Ningaloo region surrounding the seascape that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site will be the greatest spot on land to view the ensuing 62-second light show during this limited period.

Ningaloo Eclipse 2023: When and Where to watch

According to the Australian government only Exmouth, a hamlet on Australia's western coast will be able to watch the phenomenon.

A partial solar eclipse will be seen from 3:34 AM IST to 6:32 AM IST. in Exmouth on April 20. The total eclipse will only be visible for a brief period between 4:29 AM IST and 4:30 AM IST.

If you are not in Western Australia during that time, you can watch the total eclipse through the live stream.

FAQs

Q1:Will there be a lunar eclipse after the Ningaloo eclipse?
Eclipses usually come in pairs. So after the rare Ningaloo solar eclipse, a penumbral lunar eclipse on May 5.

Q2What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?
A penumbral lunar eclipse means that the Sun, Earth, and Moon are imperfectly aligned.