NEW YORK (AP) A ring of fire solar eclipse is approaching. But only a lucky few will be on his path.
The annular solar eclipse will be visible on Wednesday over Easter Island and the ends of Argentina and Chile.
The continuation explains how to safely observe the last solar spectacle of the action.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align exactly. The Moon casts a shadow that can partially or completely block the Sun’s light.
In an annular eclipse, the Moon obscures all but a ring-shaped portion of the Sun. This is because the Moon is at a point in its orbit furthest from the Earth.
The Moon simply isn’t big enough to completely cover the Sun, explained Carolyn Sumners of the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences.
This eclipse will occur mainly over water, in the Pacific. Rapa Nui, known as Easter Island, lies in its path, as do parts of Argentina and Chile.
A partial solar eclipse, when the Sun appears in the shape of a crescent, can be seen from several locations, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Hawaii.
Solar eclipses occur between two and five times a year. April’s total solar eclipse dazzled sky watchers in parts of Mexico, Canada and the United States.
How can you observe a solar eclipse safely?
Looking directly at the Sun can cause eye damage, even when most of the sun is covered.
It is safe to view the annular eclipse using solar eclipse glasses, which block ultraviolet light from the Sun and almost all visible light. Traditional sunglasses or binoculars are not enough.
Glasses must indicate that they meet ISO 12312-2 standards, although fake suppliers often include this on their products as well.
If you do not have eclipse glasses, it is still possible to enjoy the spectacle indirectly through a pinhole projector with homemade materials or by holding a strainer while looking at the ground, where an image of the eclipse will be projected.
Looking at the ground under the shade of a tree can also reveal growing shadows as sunlight filters through branches and leaves.
What comes next?
Two partial solar eclipses will occur next year in March and September.
The next total solar eclipse will occur in 2026 and can be seen in the northern strip of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.
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