Solar Eclipse 2024: What is the Ring of Fire? Date and Time Check October Annular Eclipse

This will be an annular solar eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse. In this case, the Moon is directly between the Earth and the Sun, but far enough away that it doesn’t completely block the Sun; light shines in from the edges, leaving a halo around the hole, giving it the appearance of a “ring of fire.” “.

Eclipse key information

Date and time:

The eclipse began at 3:42 pm UTC and peaked over Argentina at approximately 6:45 pm UTC. End time is around 8:39 PM UTC.

visibility:

  • The annular solar eclipse will be highly visible in parts of southern Chile and Argentina, including famous locations such as Easter Island (Rapa Nui).
  • A partial solar eclipse will also be visible from a wider area; this would include parts of Brazil, Paraguay and even Hawaii.
  • Those following the circular path will witness the “Ring of Fire” for 3-6 minutes, depending on the observer’s latitude.

What is the “Ring of Fire”?

An annular solar eclipse occurs when:

  • The Moon is at its furthest point from Earth (apogee), making it appear smaller than the Sun.
  • This configuration allows to block only part of the sun, creating a visible bright ring around it

check the details

Watching an annular solar eclipse requires some preparation:

  • Eclipse glasses must comply with ISO 12312-2 standards. This means that you cannot safely view the sun while wearing regular sunglasses.
  • If one does not have suitable glasses, one can also use a pinhole projector or watch the shadows cast by leaves as other forms of indirect viewing.
  • For anyone living within the path of the eclipse, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and an excellent opportunity to view this spectacular celestial event.

Key points about visibility in India:

  • Timing: The eclipse will occur at night in India, so observers there will not be able to witness it. The event starts at 3:42 pm UTC and ends around 8:39 pm UTC, which translates to around 9:13 pm to 3:39 am Indian time on October 3 IST.
  • Sutak Kaal: Since the solar eclipse will not be visible from India, the traditional observation period known as Sutak Kaal (the time of preparation and observation during the solar eclipse) will not apply.
  • Visibility location: The annular solar eclipse is mainly visible in parts of the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina, and also has certain visibility in countries such as Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Safety precautions

For those who may travel to view the solar eclipse or are generally interested in solar eclipses:

  • Be sure to use certified eclipse glasses for safe viewing.
  • Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays.

This solar eclipse is a reminder of the beauty of the celestial event, even if some areas like India are unable to enjoy the spectacular sight.