<p>Update: See the first photos of the solar eclipse here. An initial video of the 'ring of fire' eclipse is here.</p><p>A potentially dazzling ring-shaped solar eclipse today (May 9) will be a celestial show sure to amaze for those able to view it. Weather permitting, the passage of the moon in front of the sun will make the star look like a cosmic "ring of fire" for observers in western Australia, where the best viewing areas are.</p><p>As astounding as the show might be, however, some keen observers will have more than just beauty in mind when they're looking skyward. Scientists on the ground can make important observations during today's ring-shaped annular solar eclipse, which could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the sun. The first solar eclipse of 2013 occurs at the Moon's descending node in eastern Ares. An annular eclipse will be visible from Australia, eastern Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Gilbert Islands.CREDIT: Eclipse predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA/GSFC</p><p>One of the scientists ready for today's eclipse is Jay Pasachoff, a veteran eclipse chaser and astronomer at Williams College in Massachusetts. Pasachoff has traveled to Australia to collect data and witness his 56th solar eclipse. While the solar eclipse is occuring today (May 9), the local time in western Australia where views are at their best will be Friday, May 10, local time. [See Amazing Photos of a 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse ]</p><p><a href="http://www.space.com/21043-solar-eclipse-science-ring-fire.html">Keep reading...</a></p>