How to see the April 20 mixed solar eclipse?

On Thursday, April 20, the Moon will cover the Sun in what is called a “hybrid solar eclipse.” This event has been much talked about.

As the moon’s shadow falls on Earth, the mixed solar eclipse changes from a total to an annular (ring-shaped) eclipse.

A similar solar eclipse happened in 2013. The next one is scheduled for 2031. Astronomers and people who like the sky will have to wait until 2164 to see it.

In this unusual event, the moon’s shadow will pass over western Australia, East Timor, and Indonesia from 9:36 p.m. EDT on April 19 until 9:36 p.m. EDT on April 20.

There is nothing to worry about if you are not in a place where the shadow won’t fall. You can watch it happen live on the internet.

TimeAndDate.com, for example, will live-stream the event on their YouTube page on April 19 at 9:30 p.m. EDT (1:30 a.m. GMT).

At 10 p.m. EDT on April 19 (0200 GMT on April 20), the Gravity Discovery Centre and Observatory in Australia will live stream the eclipse on its YouTube page.

Only two places on Earth will be able to see the eclipse change from annular to total and then back to annular. The places are way out in the middle of the ocean.

Remember that you shouldn’t look at the eclipse with just one eye, because that could hurt your eyes.