Skywatchers, get ready. Tonight, October 2, 2024, marks an extraordinary celestial event – an annular solar eclipse. Popularly known as the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse, this stunning phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun but is too far away to completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Sun’s edges form a glowing ring around the Moon’s silhouette, creating a breathtaking sight for those lucky enough to witness it.
Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or just curious, this event offers a beautiful opportunity to experience one of nature’s wonders.
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An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, called apogee. Because of this distance, the Moon appears smaller in the sky and cannot block the Sun entirely, leaving a bright ring, often referred to as the ‘ring of fire.’ This is different from a total solar eclipse, where the Sun is completely covered. Instead, during an annular eclipse, the Sun’s outer edges remain visible, creating a spectacular visual effect.
The eclipse will start around 9:12 PM IST on October 2, beginning over the southern Pacific Ocean. The ‘ring of fire’ will be visible in southern Chile at around 10:20 PM IST and will travel across parts of Argentina, ending over the southern Atlantic Ocean by 2:09 AM IST on October 3.
One of the best places to view this eclipse is Easter Island (Rapa Nui), where 87% of the Sun will be covered. The annular phase here will occur between 9:33 PM and 9:39 PM IST.
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Unfortunately, India won’t be able to witness the annular or partial eclipse. However, you can still enjoy the event by tuning into live streams. Don’t miss the chance to see this celestial wonder.