Sky watchers in the western part of North, Central and South America can enjoy a spectacular view An annular solar eclipse will create a “ring of fire” in the skyFor those lucky enough to see it.
What is an annular eclipse?
This phenomenon occurs when the Moon is slightly further from Earth in its orbit, so when they pass each other it does not completely cover the Sun, instead, the edges of the Sun are visible, creating a “ring of fire”.
According to NASA“Ring of Fire” It lasts between one and five minutes in most places. Although the sky may not be dark during a total solar eclipse, the air will be cold. Some animals may behave as if they are nocturnal.
“It’s Like Nothing You’ve Experienced Before” Mitzi Adams, deputy director of the Heliophysics and Planetary Science Branch at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, said in a statement. “Above where you stand, it’s like someone placing a bowl on top of the earth. It gets dark in the middle of the day, but you can still see light around the edge.
When will it be known?
Beginning at 8 AM PT, the Moon will pass directly to the Sun, casting a shadow over the Pacific Northwest. The shadow will move south through California, Texas, Utah, and Nevada over the next three hours, then toward Central and South America.
The last annular eclipse occurred in 2017, and according to NASA, the next one won’t appear again in this part of the world until 2046.
But even if you don’t live in an area where the “Ring of Fire” can be seen, you’ll be able to see at least a partial solar eclipse from anywhere in the continental United States. (If you’re on the East Coast, there will be another total solar eclipse next April.)
NASA will provide live coverage of the eclipse starting at 11:30 AM ET on Saturday, sharing views from Albuquerque, White Sands, New Mexico and Kerrville, Texas.
What should I do to see it?
It’s never safe to look at the eclipse directly without special eye protection designed for viewing the Sun, so you’ll need to wear protective glasses or watch it. A pinhole project box What can you do with things you already have at home? Advice These safety guidelines To see a solar eclipse.
When in doubt, remember: Do not look directly at the sun.
Dylan Stableford And Sam Matthews
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An annular solar eclipse will be visible in many parts of the United States this Saturday
