SOLAR ECLIPSE 2023: Sky enthusiasts are in for a thrilling astronomical experience this year, as a remarkable celestial event is set to grace the skies on October 14. This upcoming Saturday, a partial solar eclipse, often called a ”ring of fire” eclipse, will be observable across most of the Americas for the first time since 2012. On this occasion, the moon will move in front of the sun, concealing a significant portion of it while leaving behind a dazzling ring or annulus, as reported by the Washington Post.
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This extraordinary phenomenon will be visible in various regions of the United States, Mexico, and numerous countries in South and Central America, offering millions of people in the Western Hemisphere the opportunity to witness this rare celestial spectacle. Peg Luce, the acting director of NASA’s Heliophysics Division, expressed that this dazzling celestial event will allow countless individuals to experience “the awe and the wonder of seeing a beautiful ring of fire eclipse.”
Your friends at SciJinks are counting down the days to the next annular eclipse on Oct. 14, 2023. Let’s get ready together by learning what an annular eclipse is! pic.twitter.com/FuffFuFxVe— NOAA SciJinks (@scijinks) September 25, 2023
WHAT IS AN ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE?
Every solar eclipse necessitates the moon’s intervention in blocking sunlight from reaching Earth. However, the moon follows an elliptical orbit around Earth, causing its distance from Earth to fluctuate. Consequently, its apparent size in our sky also varies.
According to a report by the Washington Post, both the moon and the sun appear to be of similar size in our skies. Despite the sun’s immense width being 400 times greater than the moon, the moon is approximately 400 times closer to Earth. During apogee, the farthest point in the moon’s orbit, the moon appears smaller, approximately 14 per cent smaller, and about 30 per cent less luminous. In contrast, perigee occurs when the moon is at its closest to Earth, resulting in “super moons.”
On October 10, the moon will reach apogee, positioning itself about 251,919 miles away from Earth. (During perigee, on October 26, the moon will be 25,198 miles closer.) Given that the eclipse is occurring closer to apogee, the moon will be more distant and appear smaller in our sky, preventing it from completely obscuring the sun, as per the Washington Post.
Consequently, even though the moon is passing directly in front of the sun, the sun’s edges remain visible. If the moon were closer, it would result in a total solar eclipse.
WILL THE RING OF FIRE BE VISIBLE IN INDIA?
The “ring of fire” solar eclipse will not be observable from India. Individuals in India and across the globe can watch it through the official NASA broadcast available on their YouTube channel, with the streaming set to commence at 4:30 p.m. on October 14, 2023.
RING OF FIRE TO BE VISIBLE IN…
As per Space.com, the most picturesque locations to witness the “ring of fire” phenomenon can be found in the southwestern United States and at the Mayan temple in Edzna on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Different locations and cities will observe the ring of fire at different places at the event’s local time and duration.
Keep in mind that all the places will also experience an extended period of partial solar eclipse before and after the brief occurrence of the “ring of fire.” The duration of the ring of fire experience is determined by their proximity to the centerline of the path of annularity.
SOLAR ECLIPSE IN LIBRA
On October 14, 2023, there will be a solar eclipse in the sign of Libra. This is a powerful astrological event that can bring new beginnings and transformations in our lives. Libra is the sign of relationships, so this eclipse may have a significant impact on our personal and professional partnerships.
SAFETY MEASURES DURING AN ANNUAL ECLIPSE
During an annular solar eclipse, the Sun is never entirely obscured by the Moon. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid direct unprotected viewing of the Sun.
To safeguard one’s eyes from permanent damage, it is imperative to use specialized eclipse glasses designed for solar observation.
According to NASA, these eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than regular eyewear and should bear the ISO reference number 12312-2.
Looking at the Sun through a camera, telescope, binoculars, or any optical instrument is strongly discouraged, as this can not only damage the protective filter but also pose a significant risk to one’s eyes.
An alternative method for observing the eclipse safely is by employing a pinhole projector.
WHEN IS THE NEXT ANNULAR SOLAR ECLIPSE (RING OF FIRE)?
Following the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, the subsequent annular solar eclipse is scheduled for October 2, 2024, as reported by Space.com.
During this event, a “ring of fire” will be observable from the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile, and southern Argentina. At the moment of maximum eclipse over the ocean, the ring of fire will endure for 7 minutes and 25 seconds.
However, the most optimal viewing location will be Easter Island (Rapa Nui), positioned approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 km) west of the Chilean coast.
On Easter Island, observers will have the unique opportunity to stand amidst the island’s remote volcanic landscape, adorned with numerous carved moai statues, and witness the ring of fire for up to 6 minutes and 9 seconds.
