A stunning celestial event is on the horizon for skywatchers across the Americas this month—a “ring of fire” solar eclipse.

On Saturday, October 14, millions of people will have the opportunity to witness this awe-inspiring spectacle. Remarkably, this will be the last annular solar eclipse visible from the United States until June 21, 2039, as confirmed by NASA. The path of the 2039 eclipse will be limited to Alaska in the U.S.

What is Annular Solar Eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun while being at its farthest point from our planet, as explained by NASA. During this event, the moon partially obscures the sun, resulting in a captivating “ring of fire” effect. The eclipse comprises several phases: partial eclipse, annularity, return to a partial eclipse, and fourth contact.

The initial phase, known as the partial eclipse or first contact, marks the moon’s gradual encroachment upon the sun, causing the sun to appear progressively smaller.

Approximately one hour and twenty minutes after the onset of the partial eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun, leaving a dazzling ring-like appearance of the sun behind it. This phase is brief, lasting from one to five minutes in most locations. As this occurs, the sky darkens, some animals may respond as if it were dusk, and there may be a noticeable drop in temperature.

Following annularity, the moon begins its journey away from the sun, transitioning back into a partial eclipse, which is termed the third contact. Once the moon entirely disengages from the sun, marking the fourth contact, the eclipse concludes.

Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?

The eclipse will traverse North, Central, and South America, as per NASA’s maps. While most people in the Americas will witness at least a partial eclipse, those on the path extending from Oregon to Texas will experience a full eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun.

NASA has crafted a map utilizing lunar topography data from its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which also delineates the trajectory of the total solar eclipse scheduled for April 8 next year.

The annular solar eclipse in the U.S. will commence in Oregon at 9:13 am PDT and conclude in Texas at 12:03 pm CDT. It will then continue its journey over Mexico, and Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. The eclipse will extend into South America, passing over Colombia and northern Brazil before fading into the Atlantic Ocean at sunset.

When Will the “Ring of Fire” Eclipse Be Visible?

The eclipse will be most vividly observed under clear skies. Even if clouds obscure the view, NASA cautions that there will still be a distinct “eerie daytime darkness” associated with eclipses.

For those eager to witness the eclipse virtually, NASA will be streaming telescope views from various locations across the country, starting at 10:30 am CDT on October 14, on its YouTube page.

What to Wear to Protect Your Eyes During the Eclipse

Although the moon will be passing in front of the sun, it remains perilous to gaze directly at the sun. Even a sliver of sunlight escaping from behind the moon can potentially cause permanent damage to your retinas, according to ophthalmologists.

To ensure safety, NASA recommends wearing specialized eye protection. It’s essential to avoid looking at the sun through binoculars, camera lenses, or telescopes without the use of specialized solar filters, as this can lead to severe eye injuries. Eclipse glasses and regular sunglasses are not suitable substitutes, NASA advises. Seek out glasses certified to meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard.

These protective eyewear items are vastly darker than regular sunglasses. Before using eclipse glasses or handheld viewers, it is essential to inspect them for any tears, scratches, or damage.

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Additionally, individuals with eclipse glasses or handheld viewers should refrain from using them in conjunction with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes, as these devices require different types of solar filters. For those without eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, creating a pinhole projector is a safe alternative.