Annular solar eclipse October 2023 live stream update: watch online the ‘Ring of Fire’ | Times, tracker...
Check out some of the top videos of Saturday's annular solar eclipse, which wowed sky gazers in North, Central and South America.
Solar eclipse transfixes crowds across the Americas
Thousands of people across the Americas gazed at the heavens on Saturday to witness a rare phenomenon known as an annular solar eclipse, when the moon passes in front of the sun, momentarily producing the appearance of a "ring of fire" in the sky.
"It's one of those things you can't miss," said Oscar Lopez, who travelled from Mexico City to the southern Mexican city of Campeche to see the eclipse. "It's amazing. We're really lucky as human beings to be able to experience these things."
NASA said the eclipse was following a path from the US Pacific Northwest over California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, crossing over parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia and Brazil before ending at sunset in the Atlantic Ocean.
Lopez and his family were among hundreds of spectators wearing sunglasses who gathered to watch the moon slowly glide across the face of the morning sun in Campeche, a picturesque colonial-era city on the western edge of the Yucatan peninsula.
(REUTERS)
Stunning photos of the annular eclipse
Photographers had a field day taking photos of the rare annular solar eclipse. In some of them, the ring of fire indeed appeared like a perfect ring of gold.
Difference between annular and partial solar eclipses
When it comes to non-total solar eclipses, that is, those in which the Moon does not cover the Sun 100%, two types of eclipses can be distinguished: annular and partial.
The partial eclipse occurs when the Moon covers part of the Sun, while the annular eclipse occurs when the Moon occupies a position of centrality with respect to the position of the Sun, but its diameter is not enough to cover its entire surface. This is why a “ring of fire” can be seen around the object that is blocking the sun.
The stages of the eclipse... in cookies
If you weren't fortunate enough to see the eclipse in person, here's a representation of the different stages it went through, made in the most sugary manner possible.
Houston Astros take a break from training to view eclipse
While most were watching the sky, some were watching the stars... of baseball.
The Houston Astros took some time out of their training to take a look at the solar eclipse.
Satellite imagery shows color changes on Earth's surface during eclipse
Parts of the US appeared to be turning red as the moon passed in front of the sun to cast a shadow on the planet.
View of the eclipse from Utah
Utah was one of the eight lucky states over which the annular solar eclipse passed. They were also treated to the sight of a perfect ring of fire as the moon (almost) covered the sun.
Another view from Albuquerque
Here's another view of the solar eclipse from Albuquerque, where you can hear the people cheering as the ring of fire appeared. Just watching the video gives you goosebumps.
More beautiful shadows cast by the eclipse
Looking down and looking around also pay off even while viewing a solar eclipse. Interesting shadows are cast due to the phenomenon, also worthy of photos and videos.
Satellite view of the US during eclipse shows moon’s shadow
While everyone was busy looking up at the sky, satellites were busy looking down at the Earth. These satellite images show the moon’s shadow as it passed in front of the sun.
Can't get enough of the solar eclipse?
This space phenomenon has piqued the interest of many regarding solar eclipses- particularly those that produce a ring of fire.
Space.com discusses the five different stages of this rare occurrence- first contact, second contact, maximum eclipse, third contact, and fourth contact.
View of partial solar eclipse
When the solar eclipse was partial, the sun looked like a golden cashew. The solar eclipse was simply amazing from start to finish.
Lucky Texans enjoy last annularity before 2039
Those who were lucky enough to witness the ring of fire caused by the annular solar eclipse oohed and aahed over the sight. Understandably so! Not only is the phenomenon spectacular, it is also rare. The next one won't be coming for many more years.
Solar eclipse produces unusual crescent shadows
The moon covering the sun was a spectacular sight, but many also remembered to look at the ground to observe the interesting crescent shadows that the eclipse produced.
Texas has just experienced annularity which viewers have described as “surreal”, and next year they will once more be treated to a similar sight. Today they were the last of six states to see the solar eclipse, and in 2024, the Lone Star State will be the first to witness it.
Kerriville, Texas right now.
Texas is up next!
People in Texas are now eagerly waiting for their turn to witness the annular solar eclipse. Here is the path which shows which areas will have the best views.
Partial eclipse has started in Kerriville, TX.
From there, the ring of fire will cross Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and, finally, Brazil before its grand finale over the Atlantic.
The entire eclipse, from the moment the moon starts to obscure the sun until it’s back to normal, will last 2 1/2 to three hours at any given spot. The ring of fire portion lasts from three to five minutes, depending on the location/visibility.
Albuquerque treated to spectacular sky show
Those in Albuquerque, New Mexico have been treated to the spectacular annular solar eclipse, and here's a glimpse of what they saw.
Albuquerque. Four minutes in, spectacular!
65% coverage of the sun in San Diego, California right now. The partial eclipse will last approximately 2 minutes.
This map, published by NASA shows the locations in the US where there will be 85% coverage.
In Argentina, depending on visibility, the eclipse could be seen from 16:02 hours until 17:22 hours. It will be at its most visible at 16:43 hours.
Only eight US states could see today's solar eclipse, but if you miss it, don't worry, they'll be another one next year.
Why is it dangerous to look directly at a solar eclipse?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is generally dangerous to look at direct sunlight. However, during an eclipse, this risk increases since upon noticing a decrease in the amount of solar rays, the eyelids do not respond in time to avoid injury to the retina.
Looking directly at the sun, even for a short period of time without having the correct protection, can permanently damage the retina. It can even cause total vision loss, known as solar retinopathy. Some symptoms of this condition are decreased visual acuity, headaches and changes in eyesight such as seeing spots.
The only way to safely view an eclipse is to use special solar filters for this purpose that must comply with ISO 12312-2 standards. The AAO warns that regular sunglasses, even the darkest ones, or homemade filters are not safe for viewing the sun.
Glasses on...
Astronomer Yuri Pena shows how to use before handing out special protective glasses to observe the solar eclipse to tourists and residents in Campeche, Mexico. REUTERS/Henry Romero
The path of the annular solar eclipse will begin in Oregon and end in the state of Texas, it will pass through multiple states:
Oregon
California
Nevada
Utah
Arizona
Colorado
New Mexico
Texas
Welcome to our live broadcast of the annular solar eclipse.
Today, Saturday, October 14, a unique astronomical phenomenon will take place: an annular solar eclipse - also known as a ‘ring of fire’. For approximately one hour, the sky will darken as the sun's rays are blocked.
It is the second solar eclipse of 2023 and the name of the ‘ring of fire’ is taken from the shape of the sunlight that will surround the outside of the Moon.