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NASA Discusses Upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse

  NASA to Discuss Upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse

NASA is set to host a media teleconference at 4 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 26, to provide insights into the forthcoming annular solar eclipse. This captivating celestial event is scheduled to traverse the United States from Oregon to Texas on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse will be visible across the entire contiguous U.S.  

What to Expect

During the teleconference, esteemed participants will delve into the science of eclipses, safety guidelines for observing the Oct. 14 eclipse, and a sneak peek into the next total solar eclipse slated for April 8, 2024: - Peg Luce, acting Heliophysics division director, NASA Headquarters - Madhulika Guhathakurta, heliophysics program scientist, NASA Headquarters - Elizabeth MacDonald, heliophysics citizen science lead, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center - Alex Lockwood, strategic content and integration lead for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters  

An annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse on May 20, 2012. Photo by Bill Dunford. NASA.  

The "Ring of Fire" Eclipse

The annular solar eclipse, often referred to as a "ring of fire" eclipse, occurs when the Moon is at the farthest point in its orbit from Earth. Unlike a total solar eclipse, where the Moon completely covers the Sun, during an annular eclipse, the Moon leaves a luminous ring of the Sun visible at the peak of the eclipse. This striking phenomenon will only be observable within a narrow path of annularity, stretching from Oregon to Texas, as well as portions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. Outside this path, individuals across the contiguous U.S., Puerto Rico, and parts of Alaska and Hawaii will witness a partial solar eclipse, where the Moon partially obscures the Sun without creating the "ring of fire" effect.

Safety First

All eclipse enthusiasts on Oct. 14 are urged to prioritize safety. To observe the eclipse safely, viewers must use specialized eye protection such as eclipse glasses or a designated solar filter, or employ an indirect viewing method. This precautionary measure is imperative throughout the entire eclipse, regardless of one's location, as even the small ring of the Sun visible during the annular eclipse can be harmful if viewed directly.  

Live Coverage

For those unable to witness the eclipse in person, live coverage of the annular solar eclipse will be available on NASA TV and the agency's official website on Oct. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Additionally, the public can tune in via NASA's social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  

Mark Your Calendar

Keep April 8, 2024, on your calendar, as it will mark the arrival of the next total solar eclipse. This astronomical spectacle will traverse the United States from Texas to Maine, promising another unforgettable celestial event for enthusiasts and skygazers.   Sources: THX News & NASA. Read the full article