05 Apr 2005, 21:10 UTC:  Annular-partial-total Solar Eclipse 08 April 2005. According to the webmaster at sky-watch.com, many will have a chance to observe a solar eclipse on Friday, 08 April.

A full eclipse will only be visible from a limited area in the mid-South Pacific Ocean.  During a full eclipse the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun and completely covers the Sun blocking its light. The duration of a full Solar Eclipse is very short.

A annular to partial eclipse can be observed from the following areas: portions of the Pacific Ocean, and portions of South, Central, and southern states in North America.

North America: The eclipse will be visible  from the southern United States. Along the East Coast the eclipse will appear just prior to "sunset". Those in western costal areas should start looking for the eclipse during the late afternoon.

During a solar eclipse the Moon crosses between Earth and the Sun. During a "full eclipse" the Sun is completely covered by the moon for a short period of time. During an annular eclipse, the Moon covers the Sun but a ring so sunlight (corona) boarders the outline of the Moon. During a partial solar eclipse the Moon covers a portion of the Sun.

Below : World Map Showing Eclipse Time and % Solar Area Blocked

Fred Espenak; www.sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse