Solar eclipse on May 20 will be a rare sight

The solar eclipse coming May 20 will be a spectacular sight for those who get to see it. 

This solar eclipse is a bit different than others. According to Space.com, "The event is what's known as an annular solar eclipse — from the Latin "annulus," meaning 'little ring'. At its peak, the eclipse will block about 94 percent of the sun's light."

According to MSNBC, the moon passes between our planet and the sun once every 29.5 days. "Most of the time, the moon zips either above or below the sun, and no eclipse occurs," said MSNBC. "But if the moon is close to one of its orbital nodes— the points where the orbits of Earth and the moon cross — the moon will pass directly in front of the sun and block its light."

Because the moon is close to apogee, which is the farthest point from Earth in its elliptical orbit around our planet according to CBS, it will not be able to cover all of the sun. It will leave a small ring of fire around the outer edges of the moon. 

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The solar eclipse will be fully visible to much of Asia, the Pacific region and some of western North America, weather permitting. The East Coast will miss out on the phenomenon because the sun will have already set. 

To have the ultimate view of the solar eclipse, MSNBC suggests being in a place with an excellent western horizon view. It is extremely important to never look directly at the sun, or a solar eclipse. Purchase solar filters to fit over binoculars or a telescope. MSNBC also suggested purchasing No. 14 welder's glass to wear over your eyes.

The past few months have been a treat for star gazing. Two weeks ago we witnessed the "super moon" and in June the transit of Venus will occur. This is when Venus passes over the sun and will appear to be a small black dot. This event is so rare that the next transit of Venus will not occur until 2117. 

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