On October 14th, a rare and mesmerizing event took place in the skies across the Americas. It was a solar eclipse, but not just any solar eclipse – it was an annular eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire” eclipse.[0] This type of eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth, creating a ring of sunlight around the moon.[1]
However, it is important to note that looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even when it is partially obscured, can be extremely dangerous for your eyes.[2] Regular sunglasses are not enough to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun.[3] To safely view a solar eclipse, you need to use protective eyewear specifically designed for eclipses. These eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors will shield your eyes from the intense brightness of the sun and prevent any potential eye damage.
The annular eclipse on October 14th was visible from a narrow path stretching from Oregon to Texas in the United States.[4] This path, averaging 127 miles wide, offered sky-watchers the opportunity to witness the “ring of fire” effect in its full glory.[5] Outside this path, people could still see a partial eclipse if the skies were clear.[6]
In Oregon, the eclipse began at 8:06 a.m.[7] PT, with the period of annularity lasting around five minutes.[5] The point of maximum coverage occurred at 9:18 a.m. PT in Eugene, Oregon.[8] As the eclipse moved across the country, different locations experienced the peak of the annular eclipse at different times. For example, in Alturas, California, it was at 9:20 a.m.[5] PT, in Battle Mountain, Nevada, it was at 9:23 a.m.[5] PT, and in San Antonio, Texas, it was at 11:54 a.m. Connecticut.[3]
While millions of people were excited to witness this rare celestial event, it is worth mentioning that the next annular eclipse visible from the United States will not occur until 2039. However, there is another total solar eclipse on the horizon, scheduled for April 8, 2024. This eclipse will cross the country from Mexico to eastern Canada, offering a different but equally breathtaking experience.
For those who were unable to witness the annular eclipse in person, NASA provided a live stream of the event online.[9] This allowed people from all around the world to enjoy the beauty of the “ring of fire” from the comfort of their homes.
In conclusion, the annular eclipse that occurred on October 14th was a truly remarkable event. From Oregon to Texas, sky-watchers marveled at the sight of the moon creating a ring of sunlight around the Sun. It served as a reminder of the awe-inspiring wonders that the universe has to offer. And while it is important to appreciate these celestial events, it is equally important to prioritize safety and protect our eyes when observing the sun.
0. “Safely View the Annular Eclipse on October 14” AustinTexas.gov, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.austintexas.gov/news/safely-view-annular-eclipse-october-14
1. “How to see the “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Phoenix” Axios, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/10/13/solar-eclipse-2023-phoenix
2. “Everything you need to know about upcoming eclipse in western Washington” KIRO Seattle, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/everything-you-need-know-about-upcoming-eclipse-western-washington/AFZIF5LDWFGNPGKH2U6RE4ONQQ
3. “3 Solar Eclipse Glasses to Help You Safely Watch the Ring of Fire 2023” Billboard, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/buy-best-solar-eclipse-glasses-1235442217
4. “How, where to watch Saturday's annular eclipse in North Texas” NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, 10 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcdfw.com/weather/weather-connection/how-to-watch-saturdays-annular-eclipse-in-north-texas/3355842
5. “Rare ‘ring of fire' solar eclipse will cross the U.S. on Saturday: Here's how to see it” NBC News, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/rare-ring-fire-solar-eclipse-will-cross-us-saturday-see-rcna108104
6. “A solar eclipse will cross San Diego this weekend. Here's how to see the ‘Ring of Fire'” NBC San Diego, 12 Oct. 2023, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/inyourneighborhood/a-solar-eclipse-will-cross-san-diego-this-weekend-heres-how-to-partially-see-the-ring-of-fire/3312201/
7. “Astronomical enthusiasts gather in Eugene to watch annular eclipse” KGW.com, 14 Oct. 2023, https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/countdown-annular-eclipse-astronomical-enthusiasts-eugene-oregon-path-annularity/283-6546fd72-8f87-4123-b8c3-3658911e0ded
8. “See it in photos: “Ring of fire” annular eclipse dazzles viewers” CBS News, 15 Oct. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/photos-ring-of-fire-annular-eclipse/
9. “Ring of Fire partial solar eclipse will be visible from Las Vegas valley this weekend” KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.ktnv.com/news/ring-of-fire-partial-solar-eclipse-to-pass-through-las-vegas-valley
