How to watch the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter and embark on a cosmic journey filled with captivating discoveries and remarkable scientific progress. CNN invites you to witness an extraordinary celestial event that will unfold over North, Central, and South America this Saturday. Prepare to be amazed as an annular solar eclipse transforms the sky into a dazzling “ring of fire.” Unlike a total solar eclipse, during an annular eclipse, the moon is positioned at its farthest point from Earth, allowing the sun’s fiery light to encircle the moon’s shadow.

Don’t let this mesmerizing phenomenon pass you by – another opportunity to witness an annular eclipse in this region won’t arise until 2046, according to NASA. Mitzi Adams, assistant chief of the Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, describes the experience as unparalleled. She likens it to having a bowl placed above Earth, directly over your position. In the middle of the day, darkness descends, yet a faint rim of light remains.

The annular solar eclipse will commence in the United States at 9:13 a.m. PT (12:13 p.m. ET), beginning in Oregon and tracing a path across the Gulf Coast in Texas. Along the way, it will grace Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico. Residents of California, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona will also have the chance to witness this celestial spectacle. The eclipse will conclude in the US at 12:03 p.m. CT (1:03 p.m. ET). Afterward, it will journey across Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia before concluding on the Atlantic coast of South America in Natal, Brazil.

If you cannot observe the eclipse in person, fear not. NASA will be hosting a live stream starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on the day of the eclipse. The coverage will feature stunning views from Albuquerque, New Mexico; Kerrville, Texas; and White Sands, New Mexico, as explained by Kelly Korreck, eclipse program manager at NASA.

Those fortunate enough to be in the path of the annular eclipse will witness a series of marvelous stages. Initially, as the moon gradually moves in front of the sun, a crescent-shaped partial eclipse will be discernible, resembling the moon taking a delicate nibble out of our mighty star. Approximately one hour and twenty minutes into the partially eclipsed phase, the moon will perfectly align with the sun, resulting in the magnificent ring of fire (also known as annularity). The length of this phase will vary depending on your location along the eclipse path, lasting from one to five minutes.

During annularity, the sky will darken, though not as dramatically as during a total solar eclipse when the sun’s light is entirely blocked. Animals may exhibit behaviors typically seen at dusk, and the air may feel cooler, according to NASA.

Following annularity, the moon will continue its celestial journey, creating another partial eclipse lasting an hour and twenty minutes before the moon eventually moves out of sight.

Please remember that it is never safe to directly gaze at the sun without proper protection. Even during an annular or partial eclipse, the sun’s light is never fully obstructed. To view the annular eclipse safely, wear solar eclipse glasses certified ISO 12312-2 compliant or utilize a handheld solar viewer. If you possess a telescope, binoculars, or camera with a solar filter, you may also observe the sun. However, it is essential to refrain from looking through any optical device, such as the lens of a camera, telescope, or binoculars, while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer, as intense solar rays can still cause severe eye damage. If you wear eyeglasses regularly, keep them on and place the eclipse glasses over them or hold the handheld viewer in front of them.

Remember to put on your eclipse glasses before looking up at the sun and turn away from the sun before removing them. Monitor children wearing eclipse glasses to ensure they do not remove them while looking at the sun. Do not rely on sunglasses, as they do not provide the necessary level of protection offered by eclipse glasses or solar viewers, which are 100,000 times darker and adhere to international standards. Additionally, avoid using eclipse glasses or solar viewers that are torn, scratched, or damaged. For a comprehensive list of reputable manufacturers and resellers of eclipse glasses and filters for optical devices, including cameras and smartphones, consult the curated list provided by the American Astronomical Society.

If viewing the eclipse indirectly, pinhole projectors offer an alternative option. Simply punch a small hole through an index card and stand with your back to the sun, holding up the card. The pinhole will project an image of the sun on the ground or another surface. Never face the sun while using the pinhole projector and avoid looking at the sun directly through the pinhole. Other items with small holes, such as colanders, straw hats, or objects of a similar nature, can also serve as pinhole projectors.

Capture your eclipse memories through photography by outfitting your camera with a protective solar filter. Remember to use a tripod to guarantee your image of the ring of fire remains sharp and unblurred as darkness envelops the sky. Adjusting your camera’s focus manually and altering the exposure settings will help compensate for the diminishing light, as advised by NASA. The American Astronomical Society also provides useful tips for those wishing to capture images or videos of the annular eclipse.

While all eyes will be fixed on the celestial wonder unfolding above, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings. Observe the extraordinary darkness that blankets the landscape and the captivating interplay of shadows created by the eclipse. If you find yourself near a leafy tree, pay attention to the intricate patterns the eclipse phase projects on the ground through the small gaps between leaves – an opportunity for a breathtaking photograph. As NASA photographer Bill Ingalls puts it, capturing the emotions and reactions of the people around you during this awe-inspiring event will undoubtedly result in unforgettable moments.

Join CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to continue exploring the boundless wonders of the universe. The annular eclipse promises an experience like no other – a feast for the senses and a glimpse into the marvels of our celestial world.

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Olivia Wilson

Olivia Wilson is a trendsetter in the world of digital culture. With an eagle eye for emerging trends and viral phenomena, she keeps readers up-to-date with the latest online sensations, memes, and pop culture trends. Olivia’s passion for staying ahead of the curve is infectious.