The West Coast will be in for quite the astronomical show when a rare kind of Solar Eclipse lights our skies.

On May 20 at 5:24p.m. there will be what’s known as an “annular” which only happens upon the rare moments the moon and sun’s path diverge a certain way.

The last time there was an annular eclipse was in 1994 and the next one isn’t expected until May 2013.

Comox Valley Astronomy Club President, John McKee says he’ll watch the eclipse if the weather cooperates and only when wearing protective eyewear.

“When you’re viewing the sun you need to wear special glasses,” says McKay. “You can’t look directly at it. It’ll blind you.”

The Solar Eclipse will create a “ring of fire” as the moon crosses in front of the sun. It won’t be a total eclipse because the moon is closer to earth than usual, but that is also what causes the “ring of fire” effect.

If you don’t have a solar filter or pinhole projector, experts advise to not look directly at the eclipse.

“You can go for a long time without viewing them,” says McKay.

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