How to watch the rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse this weekend

This weekend, the Americas will witness a magnificent solar eclipse commonly referred to as a “ring of fire.”

According to NASA, the upcoming annular solar eclipse on Saturday, Oct. 14 will offer a breathtaking view to millions of skywatchers. It is worth noting that this will be the final opportunity for Americans to witness this phenomenon until June 21, 2039. Interestingly, Alaska is the sole U.S. state that will experience the path of the 2039 eclipse.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

Annular solar eclipses happen when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while the moon is at the farthest point from Earth, according to NASA. The moon will partially cover the sun as it passes, creating a “ring of fire” effect. The eclipse has several phases: partial eclipse, annularity, return to partial eclipse and fourth contact. 

First contact, also referred to as the initial partial eclipse, occurs when the moon starts to move across the sun, gradually obstructing more light and causing the sun to appear smaller.

Approximately 80 minutes after the partial eclipse commences, the moon fully obscures the sun, creating a captivating “ring” of sunlight. This moment is brief, typically lasting for 1 to 5 minutes in most locations. As this phase unfolds, the sky darkens, resembling dusk, and certain animals may exhibit behaviors associated with twilight. Additionally, there may be a perceptible drop in temperature.

As the moon continues its journey across the sun, it reverts back to a partial eclipse. This particular phase is referred to as third contact. Once the moon no longer aligns with the sun, the eclipse concludes. This stage is known as fourth contact.

Where will the eclipse be visible? NASA shares maps

The eclipse will cross North, Central and South America, according to NASA maps. Most people in the Americas will be able to see at least a partial eclipse, but some people on a path from Oregon down to Texas will see the full eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun. Major cities along the path include Eugene, Oregon; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and San Antonio, Texas.

NASA developed a map using lunar topography data from the agency’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The map also details the path of the total solar eclipse set for April 8 next year.

The solar eclipse will commence in California at 8:05 a.m. PDT and conclude in Texas at 1:33 p.m. CDT. It will proceed through Mexico and Central America, traversing Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Additionally, the eclipse will extend into South America, specifically Columbia and northern Brazil, before reaching its final destination at sunset in the Atlantic Ocean.

Some of the states along the path of the eclipse shared more detailed map information, including Oregon and Utah. Park officials in New Mexico and in Texas also shared viewing details.

When will the “ring of fire” eclipse be visible?

According to NASA, the eclipse will be best observed under clear skies, whereas even if it’s cloudy, there will still be a distinct “eerie daytime darkness” typically associated with eclipses.

Several cities along the path of the eclipse were given start and end times by NASA.

Those interested in watching the eclipse virtually can also visit NASA’s YouTube page. The space agency will stream telescope views from around the country beginning at 10:30 a.m. CT on Oct. 14. 

What to wear to protect your eyes during the eclipse

Even though the moon will be passing in front of the sun, it’s still not safe to look directly into the sun. Even a sliver of the sun peeking out from behind the moon is enough to potentially permanently scorch your retinas, according to ophthalmologists.

NASA advises wearing specialized eye protection. Looking at the sun through binoculars, a camera lens or a telescope without using a special-purpose solar filter can instantly cause severe eye injury. Eclipse glasses and sunglasses are not the same, NASA warned. 

Ensure that you seek out spectacles that are endorsed with the ISO 12312-2 global safety standard certification.

According to NASA, safe solar viewers are significantly darker than sunglasses, with a darkness level thousands of times greater. Before using your eclipse glasses or handheld viewers, it is recommended to carefully examine them for any signs of tearing, scratching, or other damages.

Those who have eclipse glasses or handheld viewers should refrain from using them together with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes as these devices necessitate distinct solar filters.

If individuals do not possess eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer, they have the option to utilize a pinhole projector.

NASA shared tips to safely photograph the eclipse. 

What else NASA says astronomy fans might see this month

There are several skywatching highlights this October to see beyond the eclipse. NASA shares a skywatching guide each month. On Oct. 23 astronomy fans can look toward the south an hour or two after the sun sets to spot the moon just below Saturn. NASA says the proximity will make for easy telescope viewing. The moon will stay near Saturn, hanging just to the east, on Oct. 24. 

On October 28th, as the month comes to a close, the “Hunter’s Moon” will make its much-awaited appearance. This full moon will be accompanied by the presence of Jupiter, shining brightly in the night sky.

In:
• Moon
• Space
• NASA