The Sun will Turn into a "Ring of Fire"

On September 1, 2016 the moon will block much of the sun in a so-called annular solar eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” solar eclipse. On September 1st, skywatchers in parts of Africa will see the Moon pass directly in front of the Sun, creating an annular solar eclipse.

During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is farther away from Earth than during a total solar eclipse, so it appears smaller and doesn’t completely cover the Sun. A partial solar eclipse will be visible from most of the African continent.

The annular solar eclipse will be visible from Madagascar and locations in Central Africa. The Moon’s shadow will also cross parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

For most viewers in Africa, the eclipse will be a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will begin at 06:13 UTC on September 1, 2016. The maximum point will take place at 09:01 UTC, and the annularity will last for 3 minutes and 6 seconds.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “ring of fire” or annulus around the Moon.

Annular solar eclipses take place only when: The Moon is a new Moon. The Moon is at or near a lunar node. The Earth, Moon and Sun are perfectly aligned in a straight line. The Moon is at its apogee.

Source:

Special thanks to 
Timeanddate.com 
Annular Solar Eclipse – September 1, 2016
Read more here: http://tinyurl.com/zwzm25a

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
http://tinyurl.com/zmbbjz8

Clips, images credit: ESO, ESA/HUBBLE, Timeanddate.com & NASA