An annular eclipse is a type of solar eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. As a result, the Sun appears as a very bright ring, or annulus, surrounding the dark disk of the Moon. Annular eclipses happen only when the Moon is at the furthest point from Earth in its orbit, making the Moon appear smaller than usual from the Earth’s perspective. The term "annular" comes from the Latin word for ring, "annulus". Annular eclipses are the rarest kind of solar eclipse, occurring once every one or two years. They are different from total solar eclipses, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, and partial solar eclipses, where the Moon only partially covers the Sun. Hybrid eclipses, also called annular/total eclipses, shift between a total and annular eclipse. It is important to use proper eye protection when viewing an annular eclipse, just like all solar eclipses.