KUCHING: A rare annular eclipse made an appearance in Malaysia’s skies after 21 years yesterday.
The rare phenomenon took place from 11am to 3pm, depending on locations nationwide.
The phenomenon was reported to be visible along a path that’s 118km wide covering Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines.
An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon covers the sun’s centre, leaving the sun’s visible outer edges to form a ‘ring of fire’ or annulus around the moon.
It was given the title ‘Ring of Fire’ as it resembled an obvious ring-like shape when the moon was aligned in between the sun and the earth.
The moon casts a shadow on earth but its shadow is not big enough to engulf the entire planet, so the shadow is always limited to a certain area.
As the sun was not fully eclipsed, observers wore protective gear to prevent permanent eye damage.
The natural phenomenon last occurred on Aug 28, 1998.
Solar filter glasses provided by The National Planetarium to watch this phenomena 
These eggs were made to stand upright for several seconds when the eclipse was a perfect ring. 
Solar filter glasses provided by The National Planetarium to watch this phenomena 
Malaysian Space Agency prepared telescopes for the public at the space technology complex to witness this rare phenomenon
The next annular solar eclipse in Malaysia is expected to happen on May 21, 2031.
