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How and where to watch Wednesday's annular solar eclipse

Posted on by Vanessa
How and where to watch Wednesday's annular solar eclipse

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A lucky few will have the chance to see another space phenomenon on Wednesday when the “Ring of Fire” annular solar eclipse darkens the sky.

The annular (or annular) solar eclipse is best viewed from South America, although residents of at least one U.S. state may have a chance to catch a glimpse. When the moon is furthest from the sun, an annular solar eclipse does not result in total blackout but instead creates a ring light effect, hence the “ring of fire.”

This time, the celestial event will only be visible to a small population in one US state. Wondering if you can catch a glimpse? Here's what you should know about observing today's Ring of Fire annular solar eclipse.

When does the annular Ring of Fire solar eclipse occur?

The annular solar eclipse, also known as the “Ring of Fire,” will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd.

The annular solar eclipse will occur in phases depending on the time and date data:

  • 15:42 UTC: Partial solar eclipse begins. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, Sun and Earth are not perfectly aligned and only the outer shadow of the Moon's shadow is cast on the Earth.
  • 16:50 UTC: Annular solar eclipse begins. An annular solar eclipse describes the moment when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, creating the illusion of a thin ring of sunlight around the moon.
  • 18:45 UTC: Maximum solar eclipse. This happens when the moon completely covers the face of the sun.
  • 20:39 UTC: Annular solar eclipse ends
  • 21:47 UTC: Partial solar eclipse ends

Where will the solar eclipse be seen?

The eclipse will be visible from parts of South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and Antarctica.

According to Time and Date and NASA, only about 175,000 people live within the Ringbahn this time. However, the number of people who could have a partial line of sight of the eclipse is much larger – about 245 million people.

The southern parts of Argentina and Chile will see the annular solar eclipse in its full glory. In the US, Hawaii is the only state expected to see a partial view of the October 2 solar eclipse.

According to NASA, other areas and countries where at least a partial solar eclipse could occur include:

  • American Samoa
  • Antarctic
  • Argentina
  • Baker Island, smaller offshore islands of the USA
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Christmas Island
  • Clipperton Island
  • Cook Islands
  • Falkland Islands
  • Fiji
  • French Polynesia
  • Hawaii, USA
  • Mexico
  • New Zealand
  • Niue
  • Palmyra Atoll, smaller offshore islands of the USA
  • Paraguay
  • Pitcairn Islands
  • Samoa
  • South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
  • Tokelau
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
  • Uruguay
  • Wallis and Futuna

This is how you see the Ring of Fire

The 2024 “Ring of Fire” annular solar eclipse will not be visible from the contiguous United States. However, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from Hawaii, beginning around 6:10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST) and ending at 7:57 a.m. HST.

Several cities in Hawaii will be able to view part of the partial solar eclipse in the early morning hours of October 2nd (all times in HST, time and date):

  • Hilo – Visible between 5:44 a.m. and 7:56 a.m
  • Honolulu – Visible between 5:45 a.m. and 7:52 a.m
  • Kailua Kona – Visible between 5:44 a.m. and 7:56 a.m
  • Lihue – Visible between 5:46 and 7:51
  • Napili–Honokowai – Visible between 5:45 a.m. and 7:53 a.m
  • Wailuku – Visible between 5:45 a.m. and 7:54 a.m
  • Waipahu – Visible between 5:45 a.m. and 7:52 a.m

Watch the solar eclipse safely at the Ring of Fire

According to NASA, eye protection is required when viewing a partial or annular solar eclipse. Because the sun is never completely covered, viewers must wear safe solar observation glasses, also called solar eclipse glasses, or use a portable solar viewer throughout the duration of the eclipse.

You no longer have glasses or visual aids from the last solar eclipse? Try a homemade indirect viewer, such as a pinhole projector or funnel viewer. Remember that regular sunglasses, binoculars, and cell phone cameras do not provide adequate protection for observing a solar eclipse; Safe solar viewers should conform to ISO 12312-2 standards, advises NASA.

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