Annular solar eclipse of May 20, 2012
The annular solar eclipse peaks at May 20, 2012, 7:52 PM ET (2012-05-20 23:52 UTC) at 0°21′ Gemini, with greatest eclipse at 49.1°N, 176.3°E. Annularity (the “ring of fire”) lasts about 5 min 41 s there.
Past eclipse
Annular solar eclipse in ♊︎ Gemini · South Node ☋︎ · a ring of Sun stays visible around the Moon.
Visible from the US: Los Angeles and Honolulu.
Greatest eclipse in local time
| Place | Local time |
|---|---|
| New York | Sun, May 20, 7:52 PM EDT |
| Chicago | Sun, May 20, 6:52 PM CDT |
| Denver | Sun, May 20, 5:52 PM MDT |
| Los Angeles | Sun, May 20, 4:52 PM PDT |
| London | Mon, May 21, 12:52 AM GMT+1 |
| Sydney | Mon, May 21, 9:52 AM GMT+10 |
Where to see it
| City | Sun covered | Maximum (local time) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 78% | May 20, 6:38 PM |
| Honolulu | 9% | May 20, 3:12 PM |
| Beijing | 57% | May 21, 6:33 AM |
| Tokyo | 88% · annular | May 21, 7:34 AM |
Cities not listed see no eclipse, or the Sun is below the horizon. Never look at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses, except during the brief total phase.
At the point of greatest eclipse (49.1°N, 176.3°E), annularity (the “ring of fire”) lasts about 5 min 41 s. The annular phase is seen only inside a narrow path; outside it the eclipse is partial.
Annular solar eclipse in Gemini: astrology meaning
A solar eclipse is a supercharged New Moon. Astrologers read it as a sudden opening or fresh start around everyday communication, siblings and short trips (Gemini). It falls near the South Node, traditionally the side of the axis linked to letting go and endings. The Gemini–Sagittarius axis matters most if you have planets or angles within a few degrees of 0°21′ Gemini or Sagittarius.
It is the New Moon of May 2012.
Greatest-eclipse time and place, local circumstances and central duration are computed with Astronomy Engine and rounded to the minute (durations to the second). Published values can differ by a few seconds. All 2012 eclipses · Eclipse data 1950–2050 (CSV) · Methodology
Frequently asked questions
When is the annular solar eclipse of May 20, 2012?
The annular solar eclipse peaks at May 20, 2012, 7:52 PM ET (2012-05-20 23:52 UTC) at 0°21′ Gemini, with greatest eclipse at 49.1°N, 176.3°E. Annularity (the “ring of fire”) lasts about 5 min 41 s there.
Where is the May 20, 2012 eclipse visible?
In the US: Los Angeles and Honolulu. Elsewhere: Beijing and Tokyo. A solar eclipse is seen only where the Moon’s shadow falls; the total or annular phase only along a narrow path.
Can you see it from the United States?
Yes, from Los Angeles and Honolulu: 78% of the Sun covered in Los Angeles; 9% of the Sun covered in Honolulu.
How long does it last?
About 5 min 41 s of annularity (the “ring of fire”) at the point of greatest eclipse; shorter elsewhere along the path. The partial phases before and after last more than an hour at any one place.
What zodiac sign is the eclipse in?
0°21′ Gemini on the tropical zodiac, near the South Node. The Sun and Moon are together in Gemini.
What does this eclipse mean in astrology?
A solar eclipse is a supercharged New Moon. Astrologers read it as a sudden opening or fresh start around everyday communication, siblings and short trips (Gemini). It falls near the South Node, traditionally the side of the axis linked to letting go and endings. The Gemini–Sagittarius axis matters most if you have planets or angles within a few degrees of 0°21′ Gemini or Sagittarius.
Is it safe to watch?
Only with certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses or a solar viewer for every partial phase. Looking at the Sun directly or through sunglasses, a camera or binoculars without a solar filter can damage your eyes. Only during totality itself, if you are in the path, is it safe to look without protection.
Astrology is a symbolic and cultural tradition. The planetary positions on this site are calculated with astronomical accuracy; the interpretations describe what astrologers associate with them and are not scientifically validated predictions about personality, relationships or the future.