The cosmos never ceases to amaze us with its breathtaking displays, and one such phenomenon that has captivated the world for centuries is the “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse, which is scientifically known as an annular eclipse.
This event occurs when the moon, in its eternal orbit around Earth, perfectly aligns itself between our planet and the sun. However, unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon entirely conceals the sun, the moon in an annular eclipse appears slightly smaller than the sun, creating a stunning ring-like effect, often referred to as the “Ring of Fire.”
Today, Saturday, October 14, 2023, the annular “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse is set to traverse North, Central, and South America. It will offer visibility to regions within the United States, Mexico, and numerous countries in South and Central America.
Best Place to See the “Ring of Fire” 2023
The table below, provided by NASA, presents the starting time of the annular eclipse for each city within the United States located along the eclipse’s path. Visit NASA’s Eclipse Explorer and get information about visibility in your state.
You can also watch it live on NASA’s YouTube Channel.
The Dance of Celestial Bodies
The occurrence of a “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse hinges on the intricate choreography of the Earth, the moon, and the sun.
The moon orbits our planet in an elliptical path, causing variations in its distance from Earth. When the moon is at its farthest point from Earth, also known as apogee, it appears smaller in the sky. When this coincides with a solar eclipse, the moon’s apparent size is insufficient to entirely block the sun, leaving a blazing ring of sunlight visible around the lunar disk.
Safety First
It is crucial to emphasize the importance of safety when observing a “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse. Staring at the sun can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. Therefore, proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or solar filters for telescopes and cameras, is necessary for anyone attempting to witness this celestial event.
Annular “Ring of Fire” Solar Eclipse 2023
The annular “Ring of Fire” solar eclipse is a remarkable event that continues to ignite our curiosity and wonder. So, whenever the opportunity arises to witness this breathtaking phenomenon, be sure to do so safely!
This article originally appeared on Wander With Alex. Featured Photo Credit: [@goinyk/DepositPhotos]
Alexandrea Sumuel is a travel writer and the founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog, where she provides vacationers with trip ideas, travel guides, news, and itineraries. She travels to experience, eat, explore, and, on occasion, escape! Alex’s mission is to help peopl find the perfectv acation destination.