On October 2, 2024, the Southern Hemisphere will be treated to a spectacular annular solar eclipse. While much of South America will experience a partial solar eclipse, a select few will be lucky enough to witness the mesmerizing “ring of fire” around the moon from within a narrow path of annularity.
Your location will determine exactly when you can see this celestial phenomenon. Bear in mind that it is not possible to see it everywhere in the world. So, many scientists are traveling to the best areas to report it.
Location and time to see the annular solar eclipse
- The first location to see the partial phase of the annular eclipse will be at 11:43 a.m. EDT (1543 GMT).
- The first location to witness the annular phase will be at 12:50 p.m. EDT (1650 GMT).
- The maximum eclipse will occur at 2:45 p.m. EDT (1845 GMT).
It’s crucial to remember that during an annular solar eclipse, it is NEVER safe to look directly at the sun without proper protection. Make sure to use solar eclipse glasses designed specifically for solar viewing. For more information, check out our guide on how to observe the sun safely.
For those eager to witness the spectacular “ring of fire” solar eclipse, the ideal time to watch live streams is from 3:03 to 3:09 p.m. EDT (1903 to 1909 GMT). During this period, viewers will have up to 6 minutes and 11 seconds to marvel at the phenomenon from Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.
Mark Your Calendars for the Next Viewing Opportunity
If you miss the first window, don’t worry! Another prime viewing time is between 4:18 and 4:31 p.m. EDT (20:18 to 20:31 GMT). During these minutes, the “ring of fire” will be visible from southern Chile and Argentina.
Local Viewing Times for the Southern Hemisphere
Here are the local times when the “ring of fire” will be visible in various Southern Hemisphere locations on Oct. 2:
- Orongo, Easter Island: Annularity at 14:03 EASST, duration of 6 minutes, 28 seconds
- Hanga Roa, Easter Island: Annularity at 14:03 EASST, duration of 6 minutes, 22 seconds
- Cochrane, Chile: Annularity at 17:21 CLST, duration of 5 minutes, 54 seconds
- Santa Julia, Chile: Annularity at 17:24 CLST, duration of 1 second
- Puerto Deseado, Argentina: Annularity at 17:27 ART, duration of 3 minutes, 22 seconds
- Puerto San Julián, Argentina: Annularity at 17:24 ART, duration of 5 minutes, 12 seconds
Understanding the Solar Eclipse
Whether a solar eclipse will be total or annular is determined by the current distance between Earth and the moon. The moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical, causing the distance between them to fluctuate slightly throughout the moon’s orbit.
What Causes a Total Solar Eclipse?
When the moon is large enough in the sky to entirely cover the sun, it results in a total solar eclipse. During this event, the moon projects a very narrow shadow across Earth, creating what is known as the path of totality.
What’s Happening on October 2?
On October 2, however, the moon will be a bit farther away in its orbit, so it won’t completely cover the sun. From a path approximately 165 miles (266 kilometers) wide across the Pacific Ocean, Patagonia (southern Chile and Argentina), and the Atlantic Ocean, the moon’s shadow will pass directly across the sun’s center. This will create a brief ring of light, often referred to as a “ring of fire”.
This spectacular event is an example of an annular solar eclipse, where the moon’s apparent diameter is smaller than the sun’s, and a ring or annulus of the sun’s surface is visible around the moon.