Get ready for a mesmerizing cosmic event! This October, a captivating ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse will grace the skies, but only a select few will be in the prime viewing locations. Experts say this annular eclipse, where the moon obscures all but a sliver of the sun, will be visible from Easter Island and parts of Argentina and Chile. While the majority of the eclipse will occur over the Pacific Ocean, a partial solar eclipse can be observed from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Hawaii. Remember, looking directly at the sun can cause eye damage, so be sure to use proper solar eclipse glasses to safely enjoy this celestial wonder.
The Celestial Alignment
When they are aligned just so, solar eclipses occur. During an annular eclipse, the moon is far enough away from Earth that it appears smaller than the sun in the sky, and it doesn’t totally cover the sun.RELATED: Annular ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse 2020 occurs this weekend — here’s what to expect
That is because the moon will only tightly block out the very middle part of the sun, leaving a skinny, luminous ring which looks like a circle seen from an angle just around the edge of the moon. In the words of Carolyn Sumners from the Houston Museum of Natural Science: The moon is just not big enough to cover the sun.
Catch the Celestial Spectacle
The ‘ring of fire’ eclipse in October is only over the Pacific Ocean so it can as well not be seen from land, but easter island and again Argentina and Chile has a good view. A partial solar eclipse will be visible from a significantly larger area than just the path of the total eclipse itself, including much of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Hawaii.
These are much more common, happening a 2-5 times per year. Skywatchers in parts of Mexico, Canada and the US were wowed by a total solar eclipse that captured attention on April 2024. The next total solar eclipse happens in 2026, but the path of totality will only be over a small stretch from the northern reaches of Greenland to Iceland and parts of Spain.
Safely Enjoying the Eclipse
Solar eclipses are spectacular, but viewing them can be dangerous if you do not take proper safety precautions. Staring at the sun, even through an eclipse, can result in blindness. A small portion of the sun will appear to be covered by the moon during a partial eclipse, but you’ll need ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
If you do not have these glasses, then you can still enjoy that astronomical phenomenon indirectly. There are always safe ways to observe a partial solar eclipse, such as creating your own pinhole projector at home, or watching the crescent shaped shadows projected onto the ground by sunlight shining through tree branches. Keep in mind, ordinary binoculars and sunglasses will not be enough protection so make sure to use the tools designed to protect your tiny little eyes!!!
