This October 14, 2023, a solar eclipse with a “ring of fire” may be observed totally or partially in different regions of the world: in a swath of the western United States, as well as parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, among others. The Moon, which will appear slightly smaller, will block the Sun, producing a bright red ring in the sky.
It is an event that experts, astronomy fans and the general public alike should not miss.
Some information about this phenomenon:
–An annular solar eclipse like this Saturday occurs when The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking most of the light from our star reaching the planet. The Moon is at its farthest point from Earth. In perspective for us on Earth, it doesn’t completely block the Sun’s light, which is why you get this incredible ring of fire around our natural satellite.
–This type of eclipse is generated because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical. That is why there are times when the Earth satellite is further away and appears smaller.
–According to NASA, these eclipses tend to be the longest, since the ring can even be seen for more than ten minutes, although in general they do not last more than five or six.
–The eclipse path will cover a wide area of the American continent and will offer different experiences depending on the point from which it is observed.
People in the “path” of the eclipse will witness the full ring of fire effect, while those in nearby regions will see a partial eclipse.
Its trajectory will begin in the northwest of the United States and will advance toward the southeast of the American continent.
–In the United States, the best view will be in the states of Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas, with more than 90% visibility of the “ring of fire.” In Mexico, the climax of the phenomenon will be seen in the Yucatan Peninsula, while the rest of the country will have a partial eclipse of between 60% and 80%.
–Then it will advance along the northern coast of Central America, so countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama will be able to appreciate it with around 90% of the Sun blocked by the Moon. In some Caribbean countries, according to data released by NASA, there will be 70 to 80% visibility.
–In South America, Colombia and northern Brazil will have the best view of the phenomenon, with more than 90% of the eclipse visible. Meanwhile, Venezuela and Ecuador will have a visibility of between 60% and 85%. Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, northern Chile, Argentina and Uruguay will see it in a more limited way.
–In an annular eclipse the sunlight is not completely blocked: you must wear eclipse glasses. Looking directly at the Sun during an annular solar eclipse, even when some of its light is blocked, can cause serious eye damage or blindness with prolonged viewing.
It is recommended to use, for example, certified eclipse glasses, which filter more than 99% of sunlight. In its absence, and given that many will insist on looking, some element that filters the light and makes it a very brief observation, not a prolonged one.
It can be observed through telescope lenses, cell phones, cameras or binoculars if they have special filters to look at the Sun.
Here are the maps of the progress and visibility of the eclipse published by NASA (three maps are included to show the total path):
