Annular Solar Eclipse: When and Where to See the Next "Ring of Fire"
What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers the Sun's center, leaving its visible outer edges to form a ring of fire or annulus around. This happens when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth and is too small to cover the entire Sun.
When is the next Annular Solar Eclipse?
The next annular solar eclipse will take place on October 14, 2023. It will be visible in a narrow path that crosses North Central and South America, including parts of the United States, Mexico, and many other countries.
Where can I see the Annular Solar Eclipse?
To see the annular solar eclipse, you need to be in the path of totality. This path will be about 150 miles (240 kilometers) wide and will cross the following regions:
- Western United States (Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida)
- Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama)
- South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina)
Safety Precautions
It is important to take precautions when viewing a solar eclipse. Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Wearing special solar eclipse glasses is the only safe way to view the eclipse. Regular sunglasses or homemade filters are not sufficient.
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