Oct 2 – On Wednesday, a rare astronomical event will grace the skies over parts of South America, as an annular solar eclipse produces a breathtaking “ring of fire.” According to NASA, this phenomenon occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun but is too far from Earth to completely obscure the sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight visible around the moon.
The Path of the Eclipse
This October’s annular eclipse will sweep across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with visibility extending into Antarctica. Those in remote regions, such as Easter Island (Rapa Nui), parts of Chile, and Argentina, are expected to have the best chance of witnessing this dramatic event—provided the skies are clear.
In addition to these locations, a partial eclipse will be visible across a wide range of areas, including Hawaii, American Samoa, Brazil, Fiji, French Polynesia, Mexico, New Zealand, and several other locations. For those interested in seeing if they fall within the eclipse’s path, checking the Time and Date website will provide local viewing details.
What Exactly is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse differs from a total eclipse because the moon, while passing in front of the sun, is at a point in its orbit that places it farther from Earth. As a result, the moon appears smaller and does not completely cover the sun, leaving a fiery ring of sunlight around the moon’s shadow, known as the “ring of fire.” This occurs because of the perfect alignment of the moon, Earth, and the sun, though the moon’s distance prevents it from fully blocking the sun’s rays.
Eclipse Timing and Viewing Locations
The annular eclipse will commence at 12:50 p.m. ET and conclude at 4:39 p.m. ET. The path of the eclipse will begin approximately 1,056 miles (1,700 kilometers) southwest of Hawaii and will move southwestward. The peak of the eclipse, where the moon’s shadow will obscure the sun the most, is anticipated at 2:45 p.m. ET over the ocean, lasting for just over seven minutes. Land observers will also have the opportunity to witness this celestial event. The annular eclipse will first become visible on the remote island of Rapa Nui, renowned for its iconic head-shaped statues, at 3:07 p.m. ET, with the “ring of fire” effect lasting for 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Following this, the eclipse will reach the Patagonian coast of Chile at 4:22 p.m. ET, and shortly after, it will appear in the Andes before becoming visible in Argentina just minutes later. The final stage of the annular eclipse will occur near the South Atlantic Coast at 4:27 p.m. ET. Additionally, a partial eclipse will be observable north of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia at 4:36 p.m. ET.
How to Watch the Eclipse Safely
As with any solar eclipse, safety precautions are essential. Since the sun is never completely covered during an annular eclipse, looking directly at it without proper eye protection can cause permanent damage to your vision. Only certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers should be used to watch the event.
For those without eclipse glasses, alternative viewing methods include using telescopes, binoculars, or cameras equipped with solar filters to block the harmful rays. However, it’s crucial not to look through any optical device while wearing eclipse glasses, as the sun’s rays could still penetrate the filters and cause harm. Regular sunglasses won’t offer sufficient protection, as they aren’t designed to block the intense solar radiation.
Another safe method for viewing the eclipse is indirect observation, such as creating a pinhole projector with an index card. By standing with your back to the sun and allowing the pinhole to project the sun’s image onto the ground, you can safely enjoy the eclipse. Other handy tools include colanders, straw hats, or even just your hands crossed over each other to create a waffle pattern, all of which can project an image of the sun’s crescent or ring. If you find yourself near a leafy tree during the eclipse, the gaps between the leaves can naturally project patterns of the eclipse onto the ground.
Future Celestial Events to Watch
While October’s annular solar eclipse is sure to dazzle sky-watchers, it’s not the only astronomical event to mark on your calendar. Coming up next is the Hunter’s Moon, which will occur on October 17 and is set to be the closest supermoon of the year, at a distance of 222,095 miles from Earth.
The Beaver Moon will follow on November 15, and the year will close with the Cold Moon on December 15. Additionally, meteor shower enthusiasts can look forward to a series of events to finish off 2024. Here are the peak dates for upcoming meteor showers:
- Draconids: October 7-8
- Orionids: October 20-21
- Southern Taurids: November 4-5
- Northern Taurids: November 11-12
- Leonids: November 17-18
- Geminids: December 13-14
- Ursids: December 21-22
The upcoming months promise to be filled with extraordinary celestial events, so be sure to keep your eyes on the skies and prepare accordingly for these remarkable displays of nature.