Rare 'Ring of Fire' Solar Eclipse: A Spectacular Celestial Phenomenon Lights up the Americas
An awe-inspiring annular solar eclipse mesmerized the Americas, forming a captivating ring of fire in the sky Millions were treated to the celestial spectacle, witnessing a mesmerizing crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter and delve into the mysteries of the universe. Stay updated with captivating discoveries, groundbreaking scientific advancements, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to witness a rare celestial spectacle that graced the Americas on Saturday, an event that won't happen again in this region until 2046.
Millions were within the path of the annular solar eclipse as it created a "ring of fire" in the sky over North, Central and South America.
The moon completely crosses in front of the sun during the annular solar eclipse on Saturday in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Sam Wasson/Getty Images
During an annular solar eclipse, the moon is positioned farthest from Earth in its orbit, which prevents it from fully obscuring the sun. As a result, the sun's radiant light forms a ring-like shape around the moon's shadow, commonly known as the "ring of fire."
The eclipse commenced in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PT (12:13 p.m. ET) and is projected to conclude off the Atlantic coast of Brazil at 3:48 p.m. ET.
Moving from city to city, the moon's passage in front of the sun cast a shadow, darkening the skies and causing a noticeable temperature decrease. Simultaneously, those not within the path of the eclipse witnessed a captivating phenomenon: a crescent-shaped partial solar eclipse, resembling the moon delicately nibbling away at the sun.
A hot air balloon crew, sitting next to gondola, watches Saturday's eclipse at the 51st Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The ground and car windshields and skyscraper windows showcased small crescent shapes. People near trees observed individual crescents created by the light passing through the spaces between the leaves.
If you didn't catch this year's annular eclipse, then mark your calendars for April 8, 2024. Because on that day, sky-watchers in North America will have the chance to witness a total solar eclipse that will cross over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Keep your certified eclipse glasses, solar viewers, and solar filters handy as you'll be able to use them again in April to safely enjoy another mesmerizing event.
