Following April’s solar eclipse, which cast a shadow of totality across eleven U.S. states, another eclipse will grace the skies this week. This time, it’s an annular eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse, visible over parts of South America on Wednesday, October 2. A partial eclipse will also be visible in several other regions.
What is an annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon aligns with the sun, but its position in its orbit keeps it slightly farther from Earth. This results in the moon only obscuring most of the sun, leaving a bright ring around the eclipsed sun, creating the “ring of fire” effect.
Solar eclipses occur two to five times a year globally, with total solar eclipses happening less frequently. The next total solar eclipse is expected in 2026, passing 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 over specific southern portions of Chile and Argentina. According to estimates, only about 175,000 people reside within the path of the annular eclipse, making it far more remote than April’s eclipse.
The duration and timing of the annular eclipse will vary slightly depending on the location. However, in both Chile and Argentina, annularity will last only between 3-6 minutes, occurring shortly before 5.30 p.m. local time. On Rapa Nui/Easter Island, a Chilean territory in the Pacific Ocean, the annular eclipse is expected around 2.03 p.m. local time.
Several prime locations for viewing the “ring of fire” include Perito Moreno National Park, Puerto Deseado, and Puerto San Julián in Argentina, along with the Chilean town of Cochrane.
Where and when will the partial solar eclipse be visible?
A partial solar eclipse will be visible approximately 85 minutes before and after the annular eclipse. The partial eclipse will be observable in parts of South America, Antarctica, North America, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii.
A comprehensive map of the eclipse’s path is available online, indicating the percentage of the eclipse visible in various parts of the world.
Notable spots to view the partial eclipse include Buenos Aires, Argentina; São Paulo, Brazil; and Asunción, Paraguay.
How do I safely look at an annular solar eclipse?
As the sun is never fully covered during an annular eclipse, viewers must wear proper eye protection throughout the duration, even when the “ring of fire” is visible. Regular sunglasses are inadequate for safe viewing.
Safe solar viewers and filters are thousands of times darker than regular sunglasses. If safe viewers are not available, there are alternative methods, such as pinhole projectors, where small holes project the sun’s image onto a surface. However, these methods should be used with caution.
