This will be an annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire" eclipse. In this event, the Moon is directly in between the Earth and the Sun but is sufficiently far away so that it does not obscure the Sun completely; the light shines through around the edges, leaving a light ring around the hole and thereby an appearance as if of a "ring of fire".
Key Information of the Eclipse
Date and Time:
The eclipse begins at 3:42 PM UTC and peaks at about 6:45 PM UTC over Argentina. It ends at about 8:39 PM UTC.
Visibility:
- The annular eclipse will be significantly visible in parts of southern Chile and Argentina, including notable places such as Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
- A partial solar eclipse will also be observable from much broader regions; the aforementioned will include portions of Brazil, Paraguay, and even Hawaii.
- Those along the annularity path will witness the "ring of fire" for 3-6 minutes, depending upon the observer's latitude.
What is the "Ring of Fire"?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when:
- The Moon is at its farthest point from Earth (apogee), making it appear smaller than the Sun.
- This configuration allows only a portion of the Sun to be obscured, creating a visible bright ring around it
View Details
Viewing an annular solar eclipse requires some preparation:
- Eclipse glasses must be ISO 12312-2 compliant. That means, that one cannot safely view the sun with regular sunglasses.
- One can otherwise make use of a pinhole projector or watch the shadows cast by leaves as other forms of indirect viewing if proper glasses are not available.
- This is the perfect opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who lives within the path of the eclipse to view this spectacular celestial event.
Key Points Regarding Visibility in India:
- Timing: The eclipse will occur during the night in India, making it impossible for observers there to witness it. The event starts at 3:42 PM UTC and ends around 8:39 PM UTC, which translates to approximately 9:13 PM IST to 3:39 AM IST on October 3 in Indian time.
- Sutak Kaal: Since the eclipse will not be visible in India, the traditional observance period known as Sutak Kaal (a time of preparation and observation during eclipses) will not apply.
- Visibility Locations: The annular eclipse will primarily be visible over parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile, and southern Argentina, with some visibility also in countries like Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Safety Precautions
For those who may travel to view the eclipse or are interested in solar eclipses generally:
- Always use certified solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
- Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection against harmful solar rays.
This eclipse serves as a reminder of the beauty of celestial events, even if some regions, like India, cannot partake in this spectacular sight.
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