First ‘hybrid solar eclipse’ in a decade: Can UAE residents see rare phenomenon? – information

This astronomical event is special because it’s a combined annular and total solar eclipse, and it only happens a few times each century

Stargazers around the world can keep an eye out for a rare and strange astronomical event coming up on April 20, although residents of the UAE may find it difficult to observe the phenomenon due to their location.

On Thursday, the moon is being billed as the first “hybrid eclipse” in a decade because it will block the sun as it sits between the Earth and the sun.

While some parts of the world will see a total eclipse, others will see an annular eclipse, making this event a hybrid eclipse.

Experts emphasized that solar eclipses, including hybrid eclipses, offer scientists the opportunity to study the corona, which is visible during total solar eclipses.

“These studies contribute to a better understanding of the sun and its effects on Earth. In Dubai, on April 20, 2023, the sun will be at an altitude of -25°, with a right ascension of 01h 49m 09.0s and a declination of 11° 14’26.0”.

At the same time, the moon will also be at an altitude of -25°, but in a different position in the sky, specifically right ascension 01h 44m 29.1s, declination 9° 23′ 23.0″. The UAE will not be able to observe the sun on April 20 eclipse,” explained Sarath Raj, Director of the Dubai Satellite Ground Station and AmiSat Project at the Friendship University in Dubai.

A hybrid eclipse, also known as an annular eclipse, is a rare type of eclipse that transitions along its path between total and annular eclipses.

“A hybrid solar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes through the region where the Moon’s umbra (fully shadowed inner region) meets its antiumbra (partially shadowed outer region),” Raj added. “This type of eclipse occurs when the moon is at a distance from Earth, making it appear smaller in the sky.

When the moon passes in front of the sun, it obscures the sun’s disk, creating an annular solar eclipse. However, as the eclipse path continues, the moon gets closer to Earth, making it appear larger in the sky, and the eclipse transitions into a total eclipse. “

Hybrid eclipses are special because they combine annular and total eclipses and only happen a few times each century.

“A hybrid eclipse is relatively rare, with only about 5% of eclipses of this type. The path of a hybrid eclipse is usually narrow and difficult to observe. In some cases, it may only be visible from certain parts of the world available, or require special equipment to view safely.”

It is said that after April 20, 2023, there will be three mixed solar eclipses around the world between 2031 and 2050, which will occur on November 14, 2031, November 25, 2049, and May 20, 2050. Offers sky watchers the chance to witness rare celestial events where the Moon partially or completely occludes the Sun.

“A hybrid eclipse doesn’t have any major direct effects on Earth. However, eclipses usually have some indirect effects. During the eclipse, temperatures drop a few degrees in the path of totality.

This is because the sun’s energy is blocked by the moon, causing a temporary cooling effect. Solar eclipses have minimal impact on solar production. As the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels decreases, there may be a temporary drop in energy output,” Raj added.