The Americas will be in for an astronomical treat on October 14 as an annular solar eclipse known as the “Ring of Fire” will be visible across vast swathes of the Western Hemisphere.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely obscures the sun, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, but does not completely cover the sun, leaving a bright ring or “annular” will occur.
This phenomenon is possible because the moon’s orbit around the Earth is elliptical. according to To NASA. At certain times when the Moon approaches apogee, the farthest point in its orbit, it appears smaller against the Sun. When a solar eclipse coincides with this period, it creates a “Ring of Fire” effect. Conversely, a total solar eclipse can occur when the Moon is at perigee, or closest to the Earth, and exactly aligned with the Sun (e.g. 1 set will be available in April 2024).
For people in the United States and other parts of the Americas, the upcoming annular solar eclipse promises to be a heavenly sight. All 48 lower states, including Alaska, will experience varying degrees of partial solar eclipse. This event will be the last chance to view an annular solar eclipse in the United States until June 21, 2039 (even though Only Alaska will lie in the way of the event in 2039).
To fully appreciate the solar eclipse on October 14, viewers must locate themselves along the path of the annular ring. This path, in which the moon appears to pass directly across the center of the sun, stretches across parts of Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. In the United States, the annular solar eclipse will begin at 12:13 PM ET in Oregon and end at 1:03 PM ET in Texas.Created by the great American Eclipse Detailed map and timetable Available for events.
But don’t worry if you don’t know the route of the ring. This is because the eclipse of varying degrees will be visible across most of the Western Hemisphere. For example, in Canada, where I live, you can expect 25% solar occlusion, whereas 90% of the time the sun is seen along a circular path. My plan is to use special filters for the two telescopes to capture images and possibly time-lapses of the partial solar eclipse.
Ideally, you would have a clear, unobstructed view of the sun, but even in cloudy conditions an annular solar eclipse will have a noticeable effect, causing unusual darkness during the day. Observers may perceive the day to be less bright than usual, even if clouds block their direct view. For those who can’t see the eclipse, NASA says: live broadcast The state of the event.
On the day of the annular solar eclipse, observers near New Mexico’s White Sands Missile Range may spot bright streaks in the sky marking the paths of three scientific rockets. These will be part of NASA’s APEP mission. study The effects of solar eclipses on our upper atmosphere. The mission, led by Aroo Barjatiya of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will investigate the sudden changes in the ionosphere (the atmospheric layer charged with ions and electrons) caused by rapid fluctuations in sunlight during a solar eclipse and its subsequent effects on the ionosphere. The purpose is to understand. temperature and density.
“If you think of the ionosphere as a pond with gentle ripples, a solar eclipse is like a motorboat suddenly breaking through the water,” Barjatiya said in a NASA press release. “It creates a wake just below and behind it, and then there’s a momentary rise in water level as it hurtles back down.”
It is important for those watching the sky to be careful. Even during an annular solar eclipse, the sun’s powerful rays can cause severe and permanent damage to the eyes. It is important to never look directly at the sun. Special solar eyewear Or use indirect viewing methods such as a pinhole projector. NASA announced safety guidelines This event was held to allow everyone to enjoy the show without risk.
So, here’s hoping you have a safe, fun, and sunny October 14th!