Surya Grahan 2023 on April 20: Is hybrid solar eclipse visible in India?

A 'hybrid' solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event is going to occur on April 20. This will be the first solar eclipse of the year 2023. Here is all you need to know about hybrid solar eclipse 2023, including visibility, date, time and how to watch it.

The Ningaloo Eclipse or the hybrid solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon that only occurs a few times every one hundred years. This celestial event is special as it is a combination of both a total and an annular solar eclipse.

During an annular eclipse, the moon does not fully cover the entire solar disk, thus creating a perfect annular or ring-like shape around the moon's dark silhouette.

The total solar eclipse occurs, when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely concealing the face of the sun.

Will a hybrid Solar Eclipse be visible from India?

Unfortunately, the hybrid solar eclipse or the Ningaloo eclipse will not be visible in India. But you can still view it through live telecasts from other countries.

According to reports, the total eclipse will only be visible in one town-Exmouth on the Western coast of Australia.

Skywatchers from Exmouth can catch the glimpse of the partial eclipse for almost three hours, from 3.34 am IST on April 20 to 6.32 am IST.

However, people living in Southeast Asia, the East Indies, the Philippines, New Zealand, and certain other parts of Australia, will have the opportunity to view a partial eclipse on April 20.

The last hybrid solar eclipse took place on November 3, 2013. The rare astronomical event was visible from the Atlantic Ocean, central Africa, and the Indian Ocean.

The last solar eclipse of 2023 will occur on October 14, 2023. It will be visible from India.

How to watch Hybrid Solar Eclipse safely

During the hybrid solar eclipse, looking directly at the Sun will be dangerous. So NASA recommends using specialised eye protection for solar viewing. You can use eye filters including aluminized Mylar, black polymer or welding glass of shade number 14 to view the eclipse safety.