Skywatchers in parts of Europe and Africa will get a chance to observe a rare type of eclipse early Monday.
The moon will move between the Earth and the sun, but because of its orbit, the moon will not completely block the sun as in the more common total eclipse. Instead, viewers will see what is called an annular eclipse where the moon appears as a shaded disk, and the sun creates a ring of fire behind it.
The nearly four-hour celestial event begins over Portugal and Spain beginning at 0841 GMT, traveling across the Iberian peninsula into northern and eastern Africa including Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia before ending over the Indian Ocean at 1222 GMT.
Other parts of Europe and Africa, along with locations in the Middle East and India will see a partial eclipse. Viewers must wear special protective glasses to avoid severe eye damage.
Information for this report is provided by AP and AFP.
