The spectacular “ring of fire” that crossed the sky of Africa thanks to an annular eclipse – BBC World

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Image caption The annular eclipse, called “ring of fire” was observed in different parts of Africa, especially in Tanzania.

Sky watchers in Africa had a spectacular “ring of fire” in the sky thanks to an eclipse that almost covered the sun.

the annular eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from the Earth of what would be when a total eclipse occurs, resulting in a bright circle of sunlight.

the best place to spot this show was Tanzania, where the event lasted about three minutes.

It also could be seen in parts of Gabon, Republic of Congo Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar and the French island of Reunion.

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Image caption Many tourists gathered on the French island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean, to observe the rare phenomenon.

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Image caption Due to the remoteness of the moon relative to Earth’s natural satellite is not completely covered the sun, resulting in the “ring of fire”.

The moon travels a perfect circle around the Earth, but its orbit is slightly elliptical.

The distance of the moon relative to Earth varies between 362,000 and 405,555 kilometers when traverses its orbit.

If you are farther away, does not completely cover the Sun during a total eclipse, a phenomenon known as “ring of fire”.

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Image caption observers needed protection, professional and home, to see the eclipse that can damage the eyes if you look directly.

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Image caption the phenomenon only lasts a few minutes and not at all points come to appreciate the “ring of fire”. Tanzania it was observed complete for three minutes.

The next eclipse will take place 26 February 2017 and can be sighted in regions of South America and Africa.

observers in southern Argentina and Chile enjoy an annular eclipse, such as Thursday.

in the other two countries you will see an eclipse of 40% to 90%, as all Uruguay .

Bolivia, Paraguay , southern Peru and the southern half of Brazil will have the opportunity to observe a covered sun up to 40%.

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Image caption the sky darkened impressively in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the monument is located at Askari ( soldier in Arabic).

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Image caption from Ivory Coast, in western Africa, the phenomenon was also partially appreciated.