Next week, people will be treated to the annual solar eclipse, but this year it will feature a "rare ring of fire" caused by the moon passing in between the Earth and the Sun.
The solar eclipse comes just a couple of weeks after a "super blood moon" lunar eclipse that occurred on May 26.
According to TimeandDate.com, the upcoming celestial event will take place on Thursday, June 10. It will be visible in parts of Russia, Greenland and northern Canada. Meanwhile, residents in parts of Northern Asia, Europe and the United States can see a partial eclipse if the weather permits.
According to CBN News, for skywatchers positioned on the centerline, the duration of the solar eclipse will last about 3 minutes and 33 seconds.
In a video posted by CBC News, CBC Senior Science Writer Nicole Mortillaro explains the difference between a total and annual solar eclipse.
"The moon is 400 times smaller than the sun, but it's also 400 times closer, so what happens is the moon fits just perfectly over the disc of the sun, and that's when we get a total solar eclipse," she said. "But an annular solar eclipse happens when the moon is just a little further away, and it doesn't cover the disc of the sun quite perfectly, and so we kind of have that little ring of fire around it," Mortillaro added.
As per Space.com, Americans will not be able to position themselves in the path of annularity due to border closures between the U.S and Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But stargazers will still be able to see a partial eclipse in areas where it will be visible.
While scientific explanations exist behind blood moons and solar eclipses, the Bible, too, speaks on astronomical events.
In Luke 21:25-28, Jesus Christ speaks with his disciples about what will take place in the sky during the end times, before His second coming.
"And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Related:
Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse to Happen on May 26: What Does the Bible Say about Astronomical Prophecies?
Photo courtesy: Jongsun Lee/Unsplash
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.
