The Significance of June's Rare "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse | Where Will It Be Visible and How Will It Affect Us

A dramatic phenomenon is about to unfold in the early morning of Thursday, June 10, 2021, in the northern and eastern portions of North America. A solar eclipse will dim the sky for the first time since 2017 and what's more, you can witness it from your backyard. According to NASA, the occurrence happens when the moon partially blocks the sun's rays from reaching the Earth by positioning itself between them. It's an annual eclipse, which means that the moon will be so far from the Earth that it will appear smaller than the sun. And as the moon crosses the sun it won't block its light entirely and will end up creating an illusion of a bright glow around the edges.

This effect is called the "ring of fire," which creates "a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk" in the sky. It will be visible to some in Greenland, Canada, and northern Russia. Countries in the Northern Hemisphere, including Ireland and the United Kingdom, will only be able to observe a partial eclipse, where the moon covers only a part of the sun. The moon's shadow will appear as a fingernail which will cover a different portion of the sun, depending on our location. The path tracing the area where the ring of fire is visible will start over the northern United States, before crossing over the Arctic and ending in northeastern Russia.

According to the Farmers' Almanac, the moon will start covering the sun at around 4:12 a.m. ET on June 10. As for the annular eclipse, it will begin at 5:50 a.m. ET and will reach its peak at 6:42 a.m. ET. By 7:34 a.m. the eclipse will come to an end. As for the partial eclipse, it will end at 9:11 a.m. ET, according to CNN. In New York, the maximum visible eclipse will occur at 5:35 a.m. with the moon covering 73% of the sun, according to ABC 7. In Chicago, 82% of the sun will be covered and will be visible after sunrise at 5:15 a.m. For specific information based on your geographical location, visit TimeAndDate.com. Now, if you're unable to observe the eclipse, tune into, NASA and The Virtual Telescope Project live stream.

The solar eclipse also has great astrological significance. According to Oprah Daily, while the Sun represents a person's external energy radiate toward others, the Moon depicts the tender and heartfelt desires they have. When the two celestial bodies align or in this case eclipse, they literally juxtapose these forces and blocks the other out. That's why solar eclipses are said to inspire feelings of disconnect. That being said, one should see it as a challenge they need to overcome with full force. Because this eclipse falls in Gemini, it will encourage people with the sign to reconnect with others, especially the ones they have lost touch with in the past year.

The phenomenon will also persuade Geminis to embrace their playful, childlike side and think about the younger self they used to be. Astrologers recommend everyone to welcome the spirit of new beginnings during the eclipse by meditating, setting a long-term goal, pampering oneself, starting a fresh chapter with friends and family, and noting how much you have grown over the years to honor your progress. The celestial event creates an opportunity for everyone to recreate their path. Just like the shadow the moon casts on the sun, a "blank slate" is created for people to project their long-term wishes. So, seize this opportunity and make the best of the self-confidence boost the eclipse will bring along. But also be aware of treachery, recklessness, and confusion caused by new beginnings.

Before looking at the eclipsed sun, cover your eyes with eclipse glasses or a solar viewer. Remove the filter only after you look away from the sun and not while looking at it.

After the June 10 event, the next opportunity to see a solar eclipse is on November 19. During the winter month, the partial eclipse of the moon can be observed in North America and Hawaii between 1 a.m. ET and 7:06 a.m. ET. 2021 will be wrapped up with a total eclipse of the sun on December 4, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. While it will not be visible in North America, people living in the Falkland Islands, the southern tip of Antarctica, Africa, and southeastern Australia will get the opportunity to behold the phenomenon. 

References:

https://www.nasa.gov/content/june-10-2021-eclipse/

https://www.farmersalmanac.com/solar-eclipse-sun-june-10

https://www.almanac.com/astronomy/eclipse-dates

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/09/world/watch-solar-eclipse-june-2021-scn/index.html

https://abc7.com/solar-eclipse-2021-ring-of-fire-june-when-is-the-next/10744295/

https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2021-2024

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2021-june-10

https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/astrology/june-2021-solar-eclipse-gemini

Cover image source (representative): Getty Images | Photo by azu sur (L) sarayut Thaneerat (R)