October’s “ring of fire” solar eclipse will take place this Saturday. The solar eclipse will occur in five stages and be visible to the Southwestern and Central United States. The rare phenomenon only occurs as a total solar eclipse once per year!
While it’s not our year for 2023, the next solar eclipse will pass over New England. Here’s everything you need to know about solar eclipses.
What is a solar eclipse?
A solar eclipse is when the sun is partially or fully obscured by the moon, impacting the perceived shape of the sun.
According to space.com a solar eclipse ” occurs when the moon is far from the Earth, and therefore, the sun will not be completely obscured, leaving a fiery golden ring shining around the dark lunar disk. This will happen gradually, with the annular eclipse bookmarked by partial solar eclipse phases.”
How to watch the solar eclipse?
NASA’s eclipse reporter is the best resource to track the solar eclipse. The interactive map highlights where the eclipse is most visible. Unfortunately, it looks like the path of the eclipse won’t be visible for New England. However, next year’s eclipse will travel straight through New England.
Warning! Remember to never look at the sun directly! Anyone interested in observing the solar eclipse must wear special solar eclipse glasses with a solar filter. Telescopes, binoculars, and any other lenses must also have solar filters at all times.
When to watch the solar eclipse?
The solar eclipse will occur around 12:13 PM ET beginning in Oregon and then moving across Neveda, Utah, New Mexico, Texas and the Gulf. California, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona will also be able to view the eclipse. The solar eclipse will continue to travel southeast and eventually fade out during sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
When is the next solar eclipse?
This month there will actually be not one, but two eclipses! The annual solar eclipse will take place on October 14 and a lunar eclipse will occur on Saturday, October 28 and travel through Massachusetts. The next solar eclipse will occur in April 2024 and be visible for New England!