On Saturday, October 14th, Colorado will be treated to a unique celestial phenomenon. After a six-year absence, the state will bear witness to a rare event in the form of an Annular Solar Eclipse, distinct from the more commonly observed Total Solar Eclipse.
The “Ring of Fire” effect is produced during a solar eclipse.
During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon aligns itself between the Sun and Earth, typically when it is at or near its farthest distance from Earth. This alignment causes the Moon to partially block the Sun, resulting in a smaller coverage compared to a total solar eclipse. Consequently, a dark disk appears on top of the larger, brighter disk of the Sun, forming a ring-like shape around the Moon.
The sole concern this time, specifically for residents of Colorado, is that they might need to embark on a trip to the Four Corners region in order to witness the complete eclipse. The trajectory stretches from Albuquerque, extending all the way up to southern Oregon.
The October Eclipse is scheduled for Saturday, the 14th, commencing at 9:11am and attaining totality over southwestern Colorado by 10:33am.
In the Denver metropolitan area, there will be a phenomenon known as a “Partial Solar Eclipse.” This implies that the Sun, Moon, and Earth are not completely aligned, as they will be in the Four Corners area. Consequently, in Denver, the eclipse will be approximately 84% totality, occurring at 10:36 am, with the event commencing at 9:14 am.
During a total or annular solar eclipse, individuals who are not within the Moon’s inner shadow will witness a partial solar eclipse, where only a portion of the Sun will be visibly covered, resulting in a crescent shape.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon fully obscures the Sun’s face, typically happening when the Moon is either nearer to the Earth or closer to its perigee.
As the sky mimics the colors of dawn or dusk, the Sun’s corona becomes visible. Mark your calendars for the upcoming total solar eclipse in the United States on April 8th, 2024. Unfortunately, the majority of our home state will not experience the full thrill of witnessing this celestial phenomenon next year, as only around 60 to 70 % coverage is anticipated. To fully immerse yourself in the 100 percent eclipse, a trip to Dallas might be necessary.
Be safe! It is never safe to look directly at the sun’s rays – even if the sun is partly obscured. When watching a partial eclipse you must wear eclipse glasses at all times if you want to face the sun, or use an alternate indirect method.
