Ring of Fire eclipse 2023: When and where to watch

Wondering when and where to catch the 2023 Ring of Fire eclipse? Mark your calendar for October 14, 2023, which happens to fall on a convenient Saturday. The experience, however, will vary based on your location.

For the most immersive view of this upcoming annular solar eclipse, consider venturing to select regions within the United States. The primary path will stretch across parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Northeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and even Texas. Other global locations, including Panama, Honduras, Belize, and Nicaragua, will also glimpse the Ring of Fire eclipse in October.

Segments of Brazil and Colombia will have a chance to witness the annular eclipse, although it will eventually veer eastward over the ocean. To pinpoint the ideal viewing spots and precise timings, consult NASA’s comprehensive report on the forthcoming eclipse, featuring insightful maps from Great American Eclipse, LLC.

To aid your eclipse-watching plans, here’s a list of popular locations along the eclipse’s main path and their respective maximum eclipse timings. Keep in mind that the maximum exposure to the eclipse will be brief, lasting less than five minutes in each of these destinations.

Eugene, Oregon – 9:18 a.m. PDT
Alturas, California – 9:20 a.m. PDT
Battle Mountain, Nevada – 9:23 a.m. PDT
Richfield, Utah – 10:28 a.m. MDT
Albuquerque, New Mexico – 10:35 a.m. MDT
San Antonio, Texas – 11:54 a.m. CDT
Watching the Eclipse Virtually

If you find yourself outside the eclipse’s primary viewing area, don’t fret; you can still enjoy the spectacle virtually. While it may not replicate the awe of an in-person experience, it offers a captivating show.

Numerous options for virtually experiencing the 2023 Ring of Fire eclipse will be available. You can tune into live streams by timeanddate.com and San Francisco’s Exploratorium, both providing coverage during the event. It’s possible that other groups may join with their live streams as well, with these two having already confirmed their participation.

For those who can’t attend the eclipse in person, NASA has announced a continuous live broadcast throughout the event. It’s crucial to note that solar events like the forthcoming annular eclipse are perilous for the human eye, so never attempt to view them without specialized eye protection.

Essential Equipment for In-Person Viewing

To safely witness the Ring of Fire solar eclipse in person, specialized eclipse glasses with darkened solar filters are essential. These filters safeguard your eyes from the sun’s harmful radiation during such intense solar phenomena. Users watching the eclipse through cameras or telescopes should also utilize special solar filters. However, it’s vital to avoid using eclipse glasses with binoculars, telescopes, or cameras, as they do not offer adequate protection from the sun’s hazardous rays.

If you’re uncertain about the suitability of your binoculars or telescope, it’s advisable not to use them for viewing the annular eclipse in October without the proper safety measures.

Additionally, anticipate a wealth of captivating images from the event, as astrophotographers in the region and enthusiasts who travel to capture such events will contribute to the spectacle. There will be ample ways to savor the grandeur of this eclipse when it unfolds.

In summary, the 2023 Ring of Fire eclipse promises to be a celestial event of extraordinary beauty and significance. Whether you plan to witness it in person from one of the prime locations within the eclipse’s path or virtually through live streams and captivating photographs, remember the importance of eye safety when observing this celestial marvel. By embracing the opportunity to experience this rare phenomenon, you’ll be part of a global community united by a shared passion for the wonders of the universe, reminding us all the awe-inspiring mysteries that lie beyond our planet.