What is an annular or ring of fire eclipse? When a new moon passes directly in front of the sun, but is too small to totally cover over the sun's disk, an annular or ring of fire eclipse of the sun takes place. In this kind of eclipse a thin

annulus - or ring - of the sun's outer surface encircles the new moon silhouette. You absolutely need proper eye protection to watch an annular eclipse. It is, essentially, a partial eclipse. Without protection, you risk blindness or other permanent eye damage.