Must-See: The Sky’s “Ring of Fire”

The forthcoming annular total solar eclipse, scheduled for October 14, 2023, will traverse regions from the United States to Brazil. Optimal observation points are along the annularity path, or alternatively, you can tune in to NASA’s YouTube channel at 10:30 a.m. Central Time for a virtual observation session. Credit: NASA

On the specified date, the annular total solar eclipse will be observable from the northwestern United States, across Mexico and Central America, culminating its journey in Brazil. The Moon will display a “ring of fire” around the Sun due to its maximal distance from Earth during the event.

The celestial phenomenon will be visible to millions worldwide, starting from the northwestern parts of the United States and extending through Mexico and Central America before terminating in Brazil. Even if your location is outside the annularity path, partial solar eclipses may still be viewable under favorable weather conditions.

A digitally-rendered map illustrates the path of the 2023 annular eclipse (indicated by a red dot) as well as regions where a partial eclipse will be visible (areas in shadow). Credit: Eclipse Predictions by Fred Espenak, NASA’s GSFC

An annular solar eclipse transpires when the Moon is positioned directly between Earth and the Sun. However, its elliptical orbit makes it too distant from Earth to entirely obscure the Sun. This stands in contrast to a total solar eclipse, where the Moon fully conceals the Sun, ushering in a brief span of daytime darkness.

The word “annular” originates from the Latin term “annulus,” signifying ring-shaped.

A striking image of an annular solar eclipse captured on January 4, 2011, was taken by NASA’s Hinode satellite. Credit: NASA/Hinode/XRT

During an annular solar eclipse, the Sun’s periphery remains visible, forming a luminous ring around the Moon’s dark disk. This happens because the Moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than that of the Sun, making it insufficient to entirely cover the Sun.

The Phenomenon of the “Ring of Fire”

The term “ring of fire” colloquially describes the Sun’s appearance during an annular solar eclipse. In such cases, the Moon fails to completely cover the Sun, resulting in a bright, ring-like outline along the Sun’s outer edge. This radiant circle, in contrast with the darker sky, is reminiscent of a ring of fire and is keenly anticipated by both amateur skywatchers and professional astronomers whenever such an eclipse is forecast.

A conceptual animation exemplifies what could be expected during the annular solar eclipse over the United States on October 14, 2023. These eclipses are renowned for the “ring of fire” effect due to the Moon’s farther distance from Earth, which makes it appear too small to fully block the Sun. Credit: NASA

It is crucial to stress that direct viewing of the “ring of fire” without adequate eye protection can cause ocular damage. Proper solar-viewing glasses or other certified safe methods are required for observing any stage of a solar eclipse.

Utilizing data from various NASA missions, a map has been generated to show where the Moon’s shadow will pass over the U.S. for both the 2023 annular and 2024 total solar eclipses. Credit: NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; calculations by Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

The above map, crafted using diverse NASA data sources, offers a comprehensive view of the eclipse path and what observers in the United States can anticipate at their local time settings.

During the impending total solar eclipse in 2024, the Moon will be sufficiently proximate to Earth to entirely cloak the Sun. During the moments of totality, darkness will pervade around midday.

Two distinct solar eclipses will traverse the United States in the years 2023 and 2024. The 2023 event will manifest a “ring of fire” visible from Oregon to Texas. In 2024, a total solar eclipse will darken the sky from Texas to Maine. Both events will afford the 48 contiguous states a view of a partial solar eclipse. Maps, created with data from multiple NASA sources, highlight the respective paths and extents of these celestial events.

Observation of an annular eclipse is subject to weather conditions and geographical location.

Clear skies are essential for optimal viewing of the eclipse. Nevertheless, even under cloud cover, the peculiar darkness typical of eclipses remains perceptible to both humans and animals. Birds return to their nests, bees head back to their hives, and even turtles emerge from their ponds.

To witness all aspects of an annular eclipse, including its characteristic “ring of fire,” one needs to be situated within the annularity path.

If you find yourself outside this path, a virtual viewing experience is available. NASA will be hosting a live session with expert commentary and telescope feeds from multiple locations on their YouTube channel, starting at 10:30 a.m. Central Time on October 14, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Annular Solar Eclipse 2023