For the first time since April’s solar eclipse, when eleven U.S. states were in the path of totality, some will once again have the chance to witness another eclipse this week. This event, known as an annular or “ring of fire” eclipse, will be visible in parts of South America on Wednesday, October 2nd. A partial eclipse will also be observable in various regions around the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated phenomenon.
What is an Annular “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes before the sun but doesn’t cover it entirely. Instead, due to the moon being farther from Earth at this point in its orbit, it obscures most—but not all—of the sun. This creates the appearance of a bright, glowing ring, often called the “ring of fire.” According to NASA, solar eclipses occur two to five times a year somewhere on Earth, though total solar eclipses are rarer, typically happening every year or two. The next total solar eclipse won’t occur until 2026, when it will pass over parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
Where and When Will the “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse Be Visible?
The path of annularity will pass through remote regions in southern Chile and Argentina. Space.com notes that about 175,000 people live within the path of the annular eclipse, a much smaller number than the 32 million who experienced April’s total eclipse in the United States. In Chile and Argentina, the annularity will last between 3 to 6 minutes and will occur just before 5:30 p.m. local time. On Rapa Nui (Easter Island), a Chilean territory in the Pacific, the eclipse will be visible around 2:03 p.m. local time.
For those looking for the best spots to witness the “ring of fire,” notable locations include Perito Moreno National Park, Puerto Deseado, and Puerto San Julián in Argentina, as well as the town of Cochrane in Chile.
Where and When Will the Partial Eclipse Be Visible?
A partial solar eclipse will occur approximately 85 minutes before and after the peak of the annular eclipse. Viewers in parts of South America, Antarctica, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii, will be able to see this partial eclipse. Key locations for viewing include Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Asunción. NASA provides a full map showing the path of the eclipse and the percentage visible in other areas.
How Can You Safely Watch the Annular Eclipse?
Since the sun is never completely obscured during an annular eclipse, it is crucial to wear proper eye protection throughout the entire event, even when the “ring of fire” is visible. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. NASA advises using solar viewers or filters that are thousands of times darker than standard sunglasses.
If you don’t have access to solar viewers, you can use indirect viewing methods like a pinhole projector. For example, using an index card with small holes to project the sun’s image onto a surface is one such method. However, these alternatives must be used carefully to ensure safety.
Astromappa prepared this guide for their readers.