“Ring of fire” solar eclipse explained
The “ring of fire” is a type of solar eclipse where the moon partially blocks the sun’s light on Earth.
The Brief An annular solar eclipse will be visible on Wednesday from Easter Island, and parts of Argentina and Chile.Safety tip: Use certified eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors to watch the eclipse.The next total solar eclipse will occur in 2026, passing over Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
NEW YORK – A few lucky people will be in the path of the sun’s “ring of fire” eclipse.
People living on Easter Island as well as the tips of Argentina and Chile will see the annular solar eclipse that will be visible on Wednesday.
Here’s how to safely watch the final solar spectacle of the year.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses happen when the sun, moon and Earth line up just so. The moon casts a shadow that can partially or totally block the sun’s light.
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During an annular eclipse, the moon obscures all but a ring-shaped sliver of the sun. That’s because the moon is at a point in its orbit that’s farther from Earth.
“The moon is just not quite big enough to cover the sun,” said Carolyn Sumners at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The “Ring of Fire” effect caused during the annular solar eclipse is seen from Penonome, Panama, on October 14, 2023. (Photo by Luis Acosta / AFP) (Photo by LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
This eclipse will occur mostly over water in the Pacific. Rapa Nui, known as Easter Island, is in the path along with parts of Argentina and Chile.
A partial solar eclipse, when the sun appears as a crescent, can be seen from several locations including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Hawaii.
Solar eclipses happen about two to five times a year. April’s total eclipse of the sun dazzled skywatchers in parts of Mexico, Canada and the U.S.
How do I safely look at a solar eclipse?
Looking directly at the sun can cause eye damage, even when most of it is covered.
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The annular eclipse is safe to spot wearing solar eclipse glasses, which block out ultraviolet light from the sun and nearly all visible light. Sunglasses or binoculars won’t cut it.
Glasses should say they comply with ISO 12312-2 standards, though fake suppliers can also list this on their products.
If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can still enjoy the spectacle indirectly. Make a pinhole projector using household materials or hold up a colander and look down to see an image of the eclipse projected below.
Peering at the ground under a shady tree can also reveal crescent shadows as the sunlight filters through branches and leaves.
What’s coming next?
Two partial solar eclipses will grace the skies next year in March and September.
The next total solar eclipse won’t arrive until 2026 and will pass over the northern fringes of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
The Source
The information in the story was obtained from the Associated Press. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
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Publish date : 2024-09-29 10:32:00
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