The first solar eclipse of the year 2009 will occur today and it is an annular eclipse of the sun.

An annular eclipse occurs when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun so the Sun appears as a very bright ring surrounding the outline of the Moon.

In Metro Manila, the phenomenon will be observed as a partial eclipse and will start at 4:55PM while Davaoeños will be a little fortunate as the partial solar eclipse will occur a bit earlier at 4:47PM.

The partial solar eclipse will take just a few minutes so sky watchers are advised to set up their telescopes early with the use of special filters. Observers are also reminded not to look or stare at the sun with the naked eye.