On October 14, a rare and highly anticipated event took place: an annular solar eclipse. This type of eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth.[0] Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, an annular eclipse leaves a ring of sunlight known as the “ring of fire.”[1] This phenomenon was visible across a narrow path of the United States, stretching from Oregon to Texas.[2]
However, it is important to note that looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can be extremely dangerous and harmful to your eyes. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient to protect your eyes from the intense solar radiation.[3] To observe the eclipse safely, it is crucial to use specialized protective eyewear made for eclipses.
The eclipse began in Oregon at 9:13 a.m.[4] PT and ended in Texas at 12:03 p.m.[5] Connecticut.[5] Along a path approximately 125 miles wide, running from the coast of Oregon to the Gulf Coast of southern Texas, the “ring of fire” effect was visible for a few minutes.[2] Outside this path, people in North America were able to witness a partial eclipse if the skies were clear.[6]
In the upcoming years, there are more eclipse events to look forward to. In April 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Maine to Texas, darkening the skies in the middle of the day.[3] This will be the first total solar eclipse over North Texas since 1878, and it won't occur again for quite some time.[3]
To ensure safe viewing of eclipses, it is recommended to follow guidelines provided by experts. NASA advises never looking directly at the sun, even if it is partially obscured.[7] Eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors are necessary for safe viewing. If there is cloud cover preventing direct viewing, a significant darkening of the sky may still be noticeable as the moon blocks most of the sun's light.[8]
For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, NASA provides live feeds and online streams of the event.[6] Additionally, many people have been able to create homemade solar eclipse viewers using household items to safely observe the celestial event.[9]
Overall, solar eclipses are rare and awe-inspiring natural phenomena that capture the attention of people worldwide. While it is essential to prioritize safety when observing these events, the opportunity to witness the moon pass in front of the sun, creating a “ring of fire,” is a truly remarkable experience.[10]
0. “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
1. “WATCH: Annular solar eclipse, livestream with KSAT meteorologists on October 14” KSAT San Antonio, 11 Oct. 2023, https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2023/10/11/watch-live-annular-solar-eclipse-livestream-with-ksat-meteorologists-on-october-14/
2. “Weather forecast for ‘ring of fire' solar eclipse on Oct. 14” Space.com, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.space.com/ring-of-fire-solar-eclipse-october-2023-weather
3. “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
4. “Safely View the Annular Eclipse on October 14” AustinTexas.gov, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.austintexas.gov/news/safely-view-annular-eclipse-october-14
5. “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
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. “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
8. “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
9. “How to make a solar eclipse viewer using items around the house” KVUE.com, 13 Oct. 2023, https://www.kvue.com/article/news/world/solar-eclipse/how-to-make-solar-eclipse-viewer-texas/269-c2cf192e-75ee-4723-8c41-f6ad9ae66f93
10. “Videos show rare annular ‘ring of fire' solar eclipse cutting across the sky” KMBC Kansas City, 14 Oct. 2023, https://www.kmbc.com/article/solar-eclipse-videos/45537670
