A rare celestial event is on the horizon: a “ring of fire” eclipse of the sun. However, only a fortunate few will be in the optimal viewing locations. The annular solar eclipse will be visible this Wednesday over Easter Island, as well as the southern tips of Argentina and Chile.
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly. Unlike a total solar eclipse, the moon does not completely cover the sun. Instead, due to its position farther from Earth in its orbit, the moon appears smaller and leaves a ring-shaped sliver of the sun visible—a phenomenon often referred to as the “ring of fire.”
Carolyn Sumners from the Houston Museum of Natural Science explained, “The moon is just not quite big enough to cover the sun.”
This captivating event will primarily unfold over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, lies within the eclipse’s path, along with select regions of Argentina and Chile. Observers in places such as Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Hawaii will witness a partial solar eclipse, where the sun appears as a crescent.
Solar eclipses occur between two to five times annually. Earlier this year, a total solar eclipse mesmerized viewers in parts of Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
It is crucial to view solar eclipses safely to avoid eye damage. Directly looking at the sun, even when partially covered, can harm your eyes. For safe viewing, one should use solar eclipse glasses that block out ultraviolet light and nearly all visible light. Regular sunglasses or binoculars are not sufficient. Authentic eclipse glasses should comply with ISO 12312-2 standards; however, be cautious of counterfeit products.
If eclipse glasses are unavailable, indirect viewing options exist. You can create a pinhole projector with household materials or use a colander to project the eclipse’s image onto the ground. Observing the shadows created by sunlight filtering through tree leaves can also reveal crescent shapes.
Looking ahead, two partial solar eclipses are expected next year in March and September. The next total solar eclipse won’t grace the skies until 2026, passing over the northern edges of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
