Annular Solar Eclipse May 20, 2012
Track of the May 20, 2012 Annular Solar Eclipse above Mt. Diller in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The eclipse on May 20 was an annular – or ring – eclipse. At its peak, for those standing on the central line of the eclipse, the eclipse resembled a bulls-eye, with a thin ring of the sun visible around the moon.
This eclipse was the first solar eclipse of any kind in the mainland U.S. (not including Hawaii and Alaska) in the 21st century (2001-2100). Plus the May 20, 2012 eclipse was the first time in 18 years that the moon crossed directly in front of the sun as seen from U.S. shores.
Visit the Annular Eclipse May 20, 2012 Gallery to see more images
