Ready for the "Ring of Fire" Eclipse?

 Experience the Spectacular 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse Visible in Eight US States on October 14, 2023. For the first time, this celestial event will grace North America with its presence. If you are outside these eight states within North, Central, or South America, don't fret! You can still witness a partial eclipse spanning a period of three hours, albeit for a brief moment.

This annular eclipse stands in stark contrast to the impending total solar eclipse visible in Mexico, US, and Canada come April 18, 2024. As described by Jayne Aubele, a senior educationist at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, these are two distinct experiences. Rather than the darkness and temperature drop associated with a total eclipse, an annular eclipse features a mesmerizing 'ring of fire'.

So, what exactly is an annular eclipse? It occurs when the moon, in its elliptical orbit, appears to cross the sun while being further away from the Earth. During this occurrence, the moon obscures up to 91 percent of the sun, but not entirely. Hence, it's crucial to wear eclipse glasses during the entire event.

The narrow path of the annular eclipse, also known as the "annular path," commences in Oregon, sweeps across northern California, Nevada, Utah, northeastern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. It then crosses the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, followed by Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Columbia, and finally Brazil.

To bask in the 'ring of fire,' you should be within the 'path of annularity,' measuring between 125 to 137 miles (201 to 220 kilometers) wide. Depending on your location within the path, the duration of the spectacle can range from 4 minutes 29 seconds to 4 minutes 52 seconds in the US. Being closer to the center will offer a longer viewing time compared to the edges.