Eclipse 2019 in PICTURES: First partial solar eclipse of 2019 seen around world
THE first eclipse of 2019 - a partial solar eclipse - lit up skies in the Eastern Hemisphere overnight. Here are the most captivating pictures from around the world.
Bizarre object spotted passing the sun in solar images
Skywatchers in the north Pacific and northeast Asia were treated to dazzling luminous views in which the moon appeared to bite a chunk out of the sun. Alluring views of the phenomenon were snapped in Beijing, China, and Tokyo, Japan, some of the few places aside from Siberia where it could be watched. Tokyo had 30 percent coverage of the solar eclipse, according to Space.com, while Beijing had 20 percent. Here are the most spectacular pictures of the January 5-6 partial solar eclipse.
A glowing crimson orb was seen rising above buildings in Jingshan, Beijing.
In another area of the city, a bold yellow sun rose above the Wanchun pavilion with what appeared to be a small bite missing from its globe.
A combination photograph of the six stages of the partial solar eclipse also showed the movement of the eclipse in dazzling transitioned forms.
And a beguiling eclipse formed the backdrop of a bird positioned on tree branches in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China .
What is a partial solar eclipse?
Partial solar eclipses occur when the moon blocks out some of the sun as it moves between the powerful star and our Earth.
TimeandDate.com says solar eclipses happen between two and five times a year, with only certain parts of the world usually able to see one.
Yesterday’s astronomical event could not be seen in the UK.
When watching a solar eclipse, skywatchers must take care never to look directly at the sun in case they blind themselves.
Pictures of people observing yesterday’s eclipse captured children safely watching behind special glasses and adults using a pinhole projector.
What is a lunar eclipse?
Lunar eclipses, also known as blood moons, describe the moment the moon passes behind the earth and into its shadow.
They can only happen when there is a full moon.
In 2019, there are five eclipses in total (/news/science/1067786/eclipse-2019-all-solar-lunar-eclipses-list-map)
A total lunar eclipse is the next one for your calendar on January 20 to 21.
This eclipse is called a Super Blood Wolf Moon.
It includes a supermoon where a full moon appears 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than usual.
A wolf moon is the name given to any full moon happening in January.