The last and only annular solar eclipse of the year happens this Thursday. The rare phenomenon can be seen from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia, Philippines, and Guam. 

According to NASA, the greatest duration of this annular solar eclipse is 3 minutes 40 seconds. Stargazers will see a "ring of fire" if they are in the central region, and others will be able to see a partial solar eclipse.

Tips to capture the moment:

1. Find the best observing site and best time. 

You can visit the NASA Eclipse webpage to see the path of the annular solar eclipse on Google Maps. Then, you are able to locate the best observing site on the map. The best shooting time would depend on the altitude of the sun or moon. Mobile apps, like Photographer's Ephemeris, will be a great help. Besides, good weather is a pre-condition to observe, so keep an eye on the local weather broadcast.

2. Prepare filters.

Don't look at the sun directly, even if you are wearing sunglasses. If you are using a telescope, remember to put an AstroSolar Telescope Filter in front of the objective lens. The cameras also need special filters for protection. To film the whole eclipse, you also have to make sure the battery can last that long.

If you miss this year's annular solar eclipse, don't worry. The upcoming annular solar eclipses would be visible on June 21, 2020, and June 10, 2021. You can be better prepared next time.

Read More:

Live: Watch annual 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse ahead of New Year 2020

Stargazers to enjoy annular solar eclipse on Dec. 26

(Editor: Zhao Ying)

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