Less than one week to go until the sun is turned into a spectacular ‘ring of fire’
The countdown to the annular solar eclipse 2023 is well underway! As we get ready for the impressive “ring of fire” spectacle we summarize where the eclipse is visible and why scientists are so excited! REMEMBER to NEVER look at the sun directly. To safely view this solar eclipse you must use solar filters at all times. Whether your location will experience a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse, the dangers are the same. Observers will need to wear solar eclipse glasses, and cameras, telescopes and binoculars must have solar filters placed in front of their lenses at all times. Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations.
In the far future, total solar eclipses will be a thing of the past and there’s physics behind it. As we prepare for the upcoming Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse, our skywatching columnist Joe Rao takes a look into the future, when the moon’s distance in relation to the Earth will be such that it will no longer totally cover the sun’s disk as seen from the Earth’s surface. Here’s why all solar eclipses will be rings in the future, and let us know how ready or excited you are for the Oct. 14 solar eclipse!
The stage is set for one of the greatest sun events of 2023, if not the greatest skywatching event of the year! We are officially one week away from the annular solar eclipse of Oct. 14 and is one that could potentially be visible to millions of people across the United States. While not a total solar eclipse, the annular eclipse will offer a “ring of fire” effect for observers in the path of maximum coverage, as the moon will not completely cover the sun during the event. Instead, it will leave a small ring of the sun visible, also called an annulus, hence its name.
The path of annularity will cross parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas before moving on to Central and South America. If you are not in the path of annularity, you’ll be able to see a partial solar eclipse, BUT BE SURE TO USE PROTECTIVE SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES to protect your eyes and vision.
Here’s a look at some of Space.com’s resources for the solar eclipse to help you prepare for the event. We’ll have daily stories leading up to the event.
– How fast will the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse travel?
– How long will the Oct. 14 solar eclipse last?
– 10 events, viewing parties, and festivals for October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse
– 10 beauty spots to see October’s ‘ring of fire annular solar eclipse
– Total vs. annular: Why solar eclipses produce totality or a ‘ring of fire’
– 7 places to see rare ‘edge effects’ during October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse
Remember, never look directly at the sun during an eclipse without proper eye protection. Stay safe and enjoy the awe-inspiring spectacle of the annular solar eclipse!