How to watch this month’s rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse

This month, a stunning solar eclipse, commonly referred to as a “ring of fire,” will pass through the Americas.

On Saturday, October 14, countless skywatchers will be able view the spectacular sight. According to NASA, this is the final annular solar eclipse that will be seen from the United States until June 21, 2039. The route of the 2039 eclipse only passes through Alaska.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

According to NASA, annular solar eclipses occur when the moon is at its furthest point from Earth and passes between the sun and Earth. When the moon passes in front of the sun, a “ring of fire” effect will be created. Partial eclipse, annularity, return to partial eclipse, and fourth contact are among the phases of the eclipse.

The moon starts to block out the sun during the first partial eclipse. As more of the sun’s light is gradually blocked, the sun appears smaller. First contact is another name for this stage.

A “ring” of the sun is visible behind the moon as the moon totally eclipses the sun one hour and twenty minutes after the partial eclipse phase starts. This stage is brief, typically lasting between one and five minutes. During this time, the sky gets dimmer and certain animals may start acting like it’s dusk. It can feel colder outside.

The partial eclipse of the moon returns as the moon continues to pass the sun. Third contact is another name for this stage. The eclipse ends when the moon and sun are no longer in line with one another. The fourth contact is this.

Where will the eclipse be visible?

NASA maps show that the eclipse will pass across North, Central, and South America. The majority of people in the Americas will be able to watch an eclipse, if not completely, but a few people on a path from Oregon to Texas will be able to see the totality as the moon passes in front of the sun.

Using information about the topography of the moon obtained by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a map was created. The route of the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8 of next year is also shown on the map.

In Oregon, the yearly solar eclipse will start at 9:13 p.m. It will finish at 12:03 PM CDT in Texas. Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama will be included in its route as it continues over Mexico and Central America. Before concluding at sunset in the Atlantic Ocean, the eclipse passes through northern Brazil and Columbia in South America.

When will we be able to see the “ring of fire” eclipse?

If the skies are clear, the eclipse will be the most visible. The “eerie daytime darkness associated with eclipses” will still be visible even if it’s cloudy, according to NASA.

Many cities along the eclipse’s path have start and end times provided by NASA.

Visitors to NASA’s YouTube channel can also view the eclipse virtually. The space agency will start streaming telescope views from around the nation on October 14 at 10:30 a.m. CT.

What to wear during the eclipse to protect your eyes?

Even though the moon will be blocking the sun’s path, it is still dangerous to stare straight at the sun. According to ophthalmologists, even a tiny bit of sunlight that peeks out from behind the moon might potentially permanently burn your retinas.

Wearing specialised eye protection is suggested by NASA. Without utilising a specific solar filter, viewing the sun via binoculars, a camera lens, or a telescope can rapidly result in serious eye damage. NASA warned that eclipse glasses and sunglasses are not the same.

Look for glasses that has received ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

Sunglasses cannot compare to the darkness of safe solar viewers. Before using your eclipse glasses or handheld viewers, NASA advises checking to make sure they aren’t torn, scratched, or in any other way defective.

People who have eclipse glasses or handheld viewers shouldn’t use them with binoculars, telescopes, or cameras because those objects need different sun filters.

A pinhole projector can be used by those who lack eclipse glasses or a portable solar viewer.