The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

In a rare astronomical phenomenon, the UAE will experience an annular solar eclipse in December.

The eclipse known as the 'Ring of Fire' will be visible over the UAE skies on 26th of December 2019. The rare phenomenon has not occurred in the UAE since 1847.

The annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon covers the Sun’s center, leaving the Sun’s visible outer edges to form a “Ring of Fire” or annulus around the Moon.

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Around 91 per cent of the sun will be covered, creating a cosmological treat for skygazers.

Annular eclipses can last over 3 hours in locations where annularity is visible. From start to finish, the total duration of annular eclipses can be over 6 hours but not in a single location.

The last time this eclipse was sighted in the UAE was 172 years ago.

UAE residents can catch the eclipse at Al Thuraya Astronomy Center, Mushrif Park in Dubai, from 6:00 am — 12:00 pm. Maximum eclipse will be visible around 7:36:43am.

The UAE astronomical body has urged residents not to view the phenomenon with naked eyes. Protective glasses are available for viewing the eclipse.