Ring of Fire: when and where to see the annular solar eclipse
on Wednesday October 2nd In 2024, Argentina will become a privileged spectator of a fascinating astronomical phenomenon: a annular solar eclipse. During this event, the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, but due to the distance between them, the satellite does not completely cover the surface of the star. Instead, a “ring of fire” visible in different regions of the countrywhich will offer astronomy lovers a unique experience.
It will be a an exceptional opportunity watching the light of the Sun transform and blur on the horizon into an unforgettable visual spectacle. It is estimated that band of maximum visibility it will pass through the south of Chile and the province of Argentina Holy Crosswhere are the best views from?
The alignment of the Earth, Sun and Moon will reveal glowing ring light in a very narrow strip of Argentine Patagonia. In other areas, due to the curvature of the planet, it may be seen as a partial eclipse. Although you can go there in person, there are alternatives this will make the experience equally rewarding from anywhere on the planet.
Infobae will do a special live broadcast with all the details of the event and exclusive pictures from Argentinian Patagonia. This way you will achieve zoom in on the eclipse to those who cannot admire it in person, with the goal of being able to appreciate the majesty of the universe in its fullest expression.
For its part, the space agency POT will do a live broadcast on their official channels, the moment at which the satellite partially obscures the king star. The same way it broadcast the total solar eclipse in April that was visible in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
On the other hand, Galileo Galilei Planetarium the city of Buenos Aires will have a wide range of activities. Before the event, from 2 to 3:30 p.m free explanatory classes First come, first served in the dome. Images of the phenomenon are then shown on a giant screen while experts comment on it. They will be distributed on the promenade certified glasses to see what it will look like and partial eclipse in the capital.
The path taken by the Moon’s shadow will involve an extensive journey starting at Pacific Ocean and will pass through southern Chile and Argentina. All regions and countries outside of “rim of annularity” where you can see “ring of fire”, they will be able to see a partial eclipse.
In Argentina, cities in the province of Santa Cruz will stand out. He Patagonia National Park will have privileged views because it includes the area low light pollution because of the high plateaus that make up its terrain. In addition, Cueva de las Manos Provincial Parkdeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site cave paintings more than 7,500 years old that it shelters will also provide a unique opportunity to observe the eclipse surrounded by history and culture.
The towns of Perito Moreno, Los Antiguos, Lago Posadas, Puerto Deseado and Puerto San Julián will be optimal destination which are in the orbit of the lunar umbra and will provide ideal location to appreciate the annular eclipse.
In case Chiliisland Rapa Nuialso called Easter Island, Cochraneand Laguna San Rafael National Parkwill be the best places to witness this event.
It is extended by a total of 223 minutesbetween 1:50 p.m and 5:30 p.mbut the moment in which it achieves its own maximum point It will depend on the position of the observer. Inside rim of annularitya circle of fire will be seen in the sky for a few people couple of minutes near 17:25. The magnitude of the eclipse in these areas will be 0.9326, which means that The Moon covers about 93% of the Sun.
- Perito Moreno National Park, Argentina: 5:21 p.m
- Puerto San Julian, Argentina: 5:24 p.m
- Puerto Deseado, Argentina: 5:27 p.m
- Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile: 14:04 (local time)
- Cochrane, Chile: 5:21 p.m
- Punta Arenas, Chile: 17:23
In other cities and countries you can see a partial eclipsewhose maximum star coverage point will depend on latitude. For example in City of Buenos Aires you can appreciate 53% Sun covered, around 17:38.
Observing an annular solar eclipse is a fascinating experience, but it’s important that you do it safely protect the eyes. Looking directly at the Sun, even when blocked by the Moon, can cause irreversible retinal damage.
Therefore, it is essential to use appropriate observation methods such as eclipse glasses that have ISO 12312-2 certification. These glasses filter harmful solar radiation, as they have special filters that protect and enable the eyes enjoy the show risk free.