A hybrid solar eclipse is a rare type of solar eclipse that occurs when the moon’s apparent size is very close to the sun’s.

Depending on the observer’s location, the eclipse can appear as either an annular eclipse, where a bright ring of fire surrounds the moon, or a total eclipse, where the moon completely blocks out the sun.

When and where will the hybrid solar eclipse of 2023 happen?

The hybrid solar eclipse of 2023 will happen on Thursday, April 20, 2023. It will be visible from parts of Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and some Pacific islands.

The path of annularity, where the ring of fire will be seen, will cross over Exmouth, Australia; Kupang, Indonesia; Dili, Timor-Leste; and Christmas Island. The path of totality, where the sun will be completely obscured by the moon, will pass over a small area in the Indian Ocean.

Why is this hybrid solar eclipse special?

This hybrid solar eclipse is special because it is very rare to have both an annular and a total eclipse in one event. According to NASA, only about 5% of all solar eclipses are hybrid. The last hybrid solar eclipse occurred in 2013; the next one will not happen until 2034.

This hybrid solar eclipse is also special because it will be followed by another solar eclipse six months later, on October 14, 2023. This one will be an annular eclipse that will create a ring of fire over North America and Central America.

How to watch the hybrid solar eclipse safely?

To watch the hybrid solar eclipse safely, you must use special glasses or filters blocking most of the sun’s rays. Do not look directly at the sun without protection, as this can damage your eyes permanently.

You can also use a pinhole projector or a telescope with a solar filter to project the sun’s image onto a screen or a wall. Alternatively, you can watch live streams of the eclipse online from various sources, such as NASA or Space.com.