People across North and South America observed a rare celestial event known as an annular solar eclipse, during which the moon temporarily aligns with the sun, creating the illusion of a luminous “ring of fire” in the sky.
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- What is an annular solar eclipse?
- Where was the ‘ring of fire’ visible?
- When did the solar eclipse occur?
- Why is it called the ‘ring of fire’?
- How did people witness the eclipse?
What is an annular solar eclipse?
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An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun, particularly when the moon is located at or near its farthest distance from our planet.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, it does not completely block the surface of the sun. Instead, it creates the striking vision of a “ring of fire” surrounding the dark silhouette of the moon against the background of the sun.
Where was the ‘ring of fire’ visible?
#Solar eclipse in Boise. #Eclipse2023 pic.twitter.com/pvOb4esoUX
– Nate Airhart, MD (@Nate_Airhart) October 14, 2023
According to the US space agency NASA, the eclipse’s path extended from the Pacific Northwest of the United States, tracing a path through picturesque landscapes including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The eclipse passed through various parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Brazil before concluding gracefully at dusk over the Atlantic Ocean.
When did the solar eclipse occur?
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The rare solar eclipse occurred yesterday in the United States and South America on Saturday, October 14.
Why is it called the ‘ring of fire’?
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During an annular solar eclipse, the moon, located at a greater distance from Earth, does not completely mask the sun, creating the striking impression of a dark disk juxtaposed against the sun’s expansive, radiant surface.
Because of this, the eclipse presents a momentary visual spectacle as a luminous ring surrounding the shadow of the moon. Looking ahead, a total solar eclipse is planned for April 8, 2024 over Mexico, the United States and Canada, promising another captivating celestial event for eager viewers to anticipate.
How did people witness the eclipse?
Solar eclipse captured from an airplane.#Solar eclipse #SolarEclipse2023 #Ring of Fire pic.twitter.com/eQhAavJwUy
– Global News Alerts (@NewsAlertsG) October 14, 2023
Experts had warned that looking directly at the bright sun without wearing specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing could pose a risk of eye injury. Since the sun is never completely obscured during an annular solar eclipse, it was highlighted that viewing it without proper eye protection was not safe.
These experts warned that using camera lenses, binoculars or telescopes without a special solar filter could cause serious eye injuries. They strongly recommended the use of safe solar glasses or a safe portable solar viewer throughout the annular solar eclipse, highlighting that regular sunglasses were not suitable for safely viewing the sun.
Shadows from today’s solar eclipse look really cool #Eclipse #Solar eclipse #Eclipse2023 pic.twitter.com/aUCV6QrYBk
— X-Tok (@X_tik_tok) October 14, 2023
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Source: vtt.edu.vn