‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse will slice across Americas on Saturday with millions along path

The upcoming celestial event, known as a “ring of fire” solar eclipse, is set to captivate millions in the Americas. This rare spectacle occurs when the moon aligns precisely between Earth and the sun, creating a mesmerizing sight as it covers all but the sun’s outer rim. A luminous, fiery ring surrounds the moon during this phenomenon, lasting for up to five minutes. This awe-inspiring event will be visible along a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Brazil, dimming the skies in parts of the western U.S. and Central and South America.

The eclipse will follow a path approximately 130 miles wide, commencing in the North Pacific and entering the U.S. over Oregon around 8 a.m. PDT. It will reach its peak, the ring of fire, a little over an hour later. The eclipse will then progress southward, traversing through Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, and briefly touching parts of Idaho, California, Arizona, and Colorado, before exiting into the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christi. The entire journey of the fiery halo across the U.S. will take less than an hour. Subsequently, it will cross over Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and finally Brazil before concluding its display over the Atlantic.

The total duration of the eclipse, from the moment the moon begins to obscure the sun until the sun returns to its full glory, will vary from 2 1/2 to three hours depending on the location. The ring of fire phase itself will last between three to five minutes.

In the United States alone, more than 6.5 million people reside along the path of annularity, with an additional 68 million within 200 miles of it. This means that over 70 million people can witness this celestial alignment with just a short drive. Moreover, a crescent-shaped partial eclipse will be visible in all U.S. states, although in Hawaii, visibility depends on clear skies. Canada, Central America, and most of South America will also experience a partial eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bigger bite out of the sun the closer one is to the ring of fire path.

For those intending to observe the eclipse, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of using safe, certified solar eclipse glasses. Standard sunglasses will not provide adequate protection for your eyes. Proper eye protection is necessary throughout all phases of the eclipse, from the initial partial phase to the ring of fire and the final partial phase. Alternatively, you can use a pinhole projector made from common materials, such as a cereal box, if you don’t have eclipse glasses. Additionally, cameras, binoculars, or telescopes require special solar filters mounted at the front end to safely capture the eclipse.

This weekend’s eclipse is a prelude to an even more spectacular event—a total solar eclipse that will sweep across Mexico, the eastern half of the U.S., and Canada six months from now on April 8, 2024. During this total eclipse, the moon will be at the perfect distance to completely cover the sun, creating a momentous astronomical event.

For those who can’t witness the eclipse in person, NASA and other organizations will provide livestreams, allowing everyone to partake in this celestial marvel.

In summary, this “ring of fire” solar eclipse is a rare and remarkable event that will grace the skies of the Americas. It promises to be a breathtaking display of celestial alignment, offering a unique experience for those fortunate enough to witness it while emphasizing the importance of proper eye protection for safe observation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about solar eclipse

More about solar eclipse

• NASA’s Solar Eclipse Page
• How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse
• Upcoming Total Solar Eclipse in 2024
• Tips for Eclipse Photography