Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates

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2024-01-03T10:11:19.869Z

Why not experience totality from one of these eclipse-themed locations?

There are dozens of eclipse-related place names in North America.  (Image credit: Michael Zeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

Eclipse Island, Corona and Moon Island are just some of the places you can watch the total solar eclipse on April 8. 

Here we’ve rounded up eclipse-related place names located within the path of totality along with the local time and duration of totality. 

Read more: These eclipse-themed places will experience totality on April 8, 2024

2024-01-02T12:04:41.410Z

The best places in the US to experience totality

The path of the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.  (Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

Seven years ago, the path of totality was relatively remote. This time, on April 8 2024, it will pass by some vast cities and metropolitan areas, ranging northeast from Texas through Maine. Only from within this path will it be possible to witness totality for up to 4 minutes and 26 seconds.

Here we have rounded up some of the best places in the US to experience the total solar eclipse.

2023-12-20T10:56:07.534Z

Planning on watching the eclipse from Canada?

Montreal will see a short totality, its first since 1925.  (Image credit: Walter Bibikow / Getty Images)

We’ve rounded up some of the best viewing locations in Canada to watch the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. 

“It’s going to be a huge event because even though totality is only coming to the south of Canada, everybody in the country will see a partial eclipse,” Olivier Hernandez, director of the Rio Tinto Alcan Planétarium in Montreal, told Space.com. “That has not happened for over 30 years.”  

Read more: The best places in Canada to see the 2024 total solar eclipse

2023-11-29T15:08:19.570Z

Here’s why the sun’s corona should look its spectacular spiky best during April’s eclipse

This image shows the solar corona during totality close to the solar minimum in 2017. (Image credit: john finney photography via Getty Images)

A dramatic view of the sun at’ solar maximum’ will await eclipse-chasers on April 8, 2024, during North America’s total solar eclipse

Only those within a 125-mile (200 km) wide path of totality can glimpse the sun’s corona — its hotter outer atmosphere — with their naked eyes during totality. Only during the exact moment of totality, when the moon completely obscures the sun can you look with the naked eye. At all other times, precautions need to be taken. It’s a sight to behold, whatever the level of solar activity, but the latest predictions have the sun reaching the peak of its current cycle in 2024, the corona now looks set to be at its largest and spikiest just in time for totality. With cameras much improved since the last solar maximum in 2012, unique images will be possible. 

Read more: Solar maximum: Why April’s total Solar Eclipse will bring unique views of the sun’s corona

2023-11-27T13:29:39.427Z

Looking for some new kit to view the solar eclipse?

If you’re looking to purchase some new kit to view the upcoming solar eclipse, this Cyber Monday telescope deal is well worth it! 

The Cyber Monday deal from B&H Photo Video slashes the price of the Celestron NexStar 6SE Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope and EclipSmart Solar Filter Kit by more than $1,000. Originally $2,047.95 it is now $948.95.

A great all-rounder telescope and with the EclipSmart White-Light Solar Filter that is ISO 12312-2 compliant for safe solar viewing, it’s the perfect eclipse-viewing companion. 

Read more: Cyber Monday telescope deal: Save over $1000 on this telescope and solar filter bundle for more than 50% off

2023-11-23T15:11:09.144Z

Why not experience nature’s most remarkable spectacle in a beautiful setting?

Lake Placid is planning plenty of eclipse events. (Image credit: DenisTangneyJr via Getty Images)

The path of totality — a narrow path around 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide where the moon completely obscures the sun — runs through Mexico to Canada via 15 U.S. states, and will pass through many state parks, national parks and other scenic spots that offer a perfect backdrop for this rare and stunning event. 

We’ve rounded up 10 of the best locations to enjoy the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

Read more: 10 scenic spots to watch the April 2024 total solar eclipse

2023-11-22T15:15:45.871Z

The ‘Totality’ app is the perfect tool to accompany you on your eclipse viewing experience

(Image credit: Individual app images: Big Kid Science, AAS, image created in Canva by Daisy Dobrijevic)

The free “Totality” app is available for iOS and Android users in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. 

The app’s interactive map feature shows you where in the world upcoming solar eclipses will be visible and uses your phone’s GPS to tell you what those eclipses would look like from your current location. 

The “learn” section provides ample solar eclipse resources such as information on how, when and why solar eclipses occur as well as classroom activities meant to inspire the next generation of budding eclipse chasers.  

Read more: Experience April’s total solar eclipse from the palm of your hand with the ‘Totality’ app from Big Kid Science

2023-11-21T10:06:38.553Z

Planning on viewing the eclipse from Mexico?

blue water surrounded by grassland and shrubs with blue sky above and mountains in the background.

Poza Azúl in northeastern Mexico. (Image credit: Andrés Coronado / Getty Images)

Some of the best places to witness the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, are in Mexico. 

The shadow of the moon will first strike Earth about 370 miles (600 kilometers) off the west coast of Mexico at Isla Socorro before visiting three of the Islas Marías just 60 miles (100 km) from the mainland. It will then sweep across Mexico from Mazatlán, Durango, Torreón and Monclova as the path tracks northeast toward the U.S. border at Piedras Negras.  

Read more: The best places in Mexico to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024

2023-11-18T12:09:01.628Z

Where will you be celebrating the total solar eclipse?

Saluki stadium at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, hosted a massive crowd of eclipse watchers.  (Image credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images)

If you want some inspiration on where to head for the ultimate total solar eclipse viewing experience we’ve rounded up some of the best parties, festivals and eclipse events across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. 

The all-important path of totality will pass through northwest Mexico, 15 U.S. states (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine) and five Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland). 

Read more: April 2024 total solar eclipse viewing events: Parties, festivals and more

2023-11-08T15:09:02.634Z

Where is the best place to see the April 2024 total solar eclipse?

Locals and travelers from around the world gather on Menan Butte to watch the eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017 in Menan, Idaho.  (Image credit: Natalie Behring/Getty Images)

Total solar eclipses are rare opportunities that are not to be missed. After next year’s total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, the next total solar eclipse that will be visible from North America will be in 2044. 

Being in the right place at the right time is crucial for seeing one of these celestial spectacles. Want to know where you should be to catch the “Great American Eclipse?” Read our guide below for a list of the best places to see the April 2024 total solar eclipse.

Read more: Where is the best place to see the April 2024 total solar eclipse?

2023-11-07T09:50:05.766Z

Will El Niño affect the chances of clear skies?

(Image credit: Pete Marovich/Getty Images)

Where will the best weather be for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024? That’s the burning question for eclipse chasers who are now making preparations and travel plans, but an incoming El Niño threatens to make things a little more complicated.

The incoming disruptive global climate pattern underscores the path of totality through Mexico and Texas as the best places to be for the lowest chance of cloud cover.

Read more: How El Niño may affect the chances of clear skies for the 2024 total solar eclipse

2023-11-02T09:54:00.357Z

Where will the total eclipse be visible from? 

Totality as seen from Easter Island on July 11, 2010.

During totality the moon completely covers the sun’s disk. (Image credit: Dennis di Cicco / Sky & Telescope. )

Location is key to a successful total solar eclipse viewing experience.

All of North America will see a partial solar eclipse, but only those within the path of totality will get to encounter a total solar eclipse.

The all-important path of totality heads from northwest Mexico through the U.S. to southeastern Canada. That path will be 115 miles (183 kilometers) wide, on average, and only within it will it be possible to experience darkness in the day and glimpse the sun’s corona for up to 4 minutes 28 seconds. 

Read more: Where will the April 2024 total solar eclipse be visible from?

2023-10-24T09:40:48.119Z

Here’s how scientists will study the sun during the total eclipse

The total solar eclipse that will sweep across the Americas on April 8 will provide scientists with a rather unique view of the sun and the perfect opportunity to study it in more detail. 

“Scientists have long used solar eclipses to make scientific discoveries,” Kelly Korreck, program scientist at NASA Headquarters, said in the statement. “They have helped us make the first detection of helium, have given us evidence for the theory of general relativity, and allowed us to better understand the sun’s influence on Earth’s upper atmosphere.” 

Learn more about the five science experiments selected by NASA to study the Great North American Eclipse of 2024

2023-10-19T15:11:41.605Z

Remember ‘99% totality’ does not exist!

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the Americas. (Image credit: Michael Zeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com)

There’s a reason why the path of totality is called what it is. Mistakes will be made by many would-be eclipse-chasers on April 8, 2024. 

Inside the 115-mile wide path of totality — which will stretch across North America that day — some will forget to take off their eclipse glasses (during “totality”), missing a once-on-a-lifetime view of the solar corona. 

Others will lose track of time and be queuing for the bathroom as the moon totally eclipses the sun. However, the biggest celestial crime it’s possible to make when a total solar eclipse comes to town is to settle for 99%. 

Read more: ‘99% totality’ does not exist! Why you need to get to the path for April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse

2023-10-17T14:08:33.532Z

Countdown to April’s total solar eclipse has begun!

USA, Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest, View of solar corona during total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017

Less than six months to go until the total solar eclipse. (Image credit: Paul Souders via Getty Images)

With the impressive annular solar eclipse behind us, we now take a look at the total solar eclipse that will occur on April 8, 2024.

The spectacle will be visible to millions of skywatchers across the Americas.

It’s not too early to start planning your trip and lucky for you our contributing writer and eclipse expert Jamie Carter has written a handy guide to help.

From scouting locations to staying safe, here’s how to prepare for the total solar eclipse.

Read more: Total solar eclipse April 2024: 8 top tips for planning your trip

2023-10-17T08:44:06.823Z

Watching the eclipse from the home of ancient solar astronomy

annular solar eclipse 2023

(Image credit: Gill Carter)

Eclipse-chasers and archaeo-astronomers flocked to Chaco Canyon in New Mexico to see annularity from the home of the famous ‘Rock of the Sun’ petroglyph.

Space.com’s contributing writer Jamie Carter describes what it was like to view the annular solar eclipse from the home of ancient solar astronomy. 

Read more: What the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse looked like from the home of ancient solar astronomy

2023-10-16T14:06:38.413Z

Wow! Satellites watched the annular solar eclipse from space

satellite view of annular solar eclipse 2023 over earth

(Image credit: CIRA/NOAA)

The eclipse, during which the moon blocked out the center of the sun, causing it to appear as a glowing ring of fire in the sky over Earth, was seen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellites GOES-East and GOES-West. 

Read more and see the incredible timelapse video here: Satellites watch the annular solar eclipse 2023 sweep over the U.S. (video)

2023-10-15T13:01:44.676Z

Hot off the press! Read all about what it was like chasing the solar eclipse on the Extraterrestrial Highway

sign that reads extraterrestrial highway

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

Space.com’s editor Brett Tingley recounts his incredible eclipse-viewing adventure that took him through the state of Nevada along state route 375, the “Extraterrestrial Highway.”

“It was still cold when those skies began to lighten on the morning of the eclipse in Ely, Nevada, while wispy clouds blew above the recreational vehicles and camp chairs that began to line the route from Ely to Great Basin National Park. As the sun rose over the pine-covered mountains of the Schell Creek Range in the distance, more and more visitors arrived and set up tripods and cameras. Some of the gathered eclipse-chasers wore homemade T-shirts commemorating the event, and many had driven for days just to get a glimpse of the ‘ring of fire.'”

Read more: Fire in the sky: Chasing the annular solar eclipse 2023 on the Extraterrestrial Highway

And that’s a wrap!

Rajat Kumar Pal annular solar eclispe

(Image credit: Rajat Kumar Pal)

Wowee! Today’s annular eclipse did not disappoint.

You can view a roundup of some of the best photos from around the world here in our  “Annular solar eclipse of 2023 wows skywatchers with spectacular ‘ring of fire’ (photos, video)” article. 

Stay tuned for more annular eclipse content over the coming days including a special report from our Editor Brett Tingley about his incredible eclipse adventure. 

We hope you have enjoyed this annular solar eclipse as much as we have! 

Clear skies. 

2023-10-14T19:39:12.638Z

The “ring of fire” has reached Brazil!

annular

(Image credit: timeanddate)

The annular solar eclipse is currently traveling over Brazil where it will end at sunset. 

Here the “ring of fire” is visible over Canaã dos Carajás, Brazil. You can continue to follow the eclipse as it moves through Brazil online here courtesy of timeanddate.com.

2023-10-14T18:58:13.868Z

Eclipse enters the Southern Hemisphere!

Canaã dos Carajás eclipse

(Image credit: timeanddate)

The annular solar eclipse has now crossed the equator and is traveling across the Southern Hemisphere.

It’s traveling approximately 1,459 mph (2,351 km/h) (and getting faster!) and is visible over Brazil.

The image above shows the partial eclipse stage as we approach annularity in Canaã dos Carajás, Brazil.

2023-10-14T18:38:50.272Z

Annularity has reached Neiva, Colombia

annular eclipse colombia

(Image credit: timeanddate)

The “ring of fire” is now in Neiva, Colombia! 

This impressive image is courtesy of timeanddate’s free livestream. The Neiva footage is by Planetario de Medellin.

You can continue to follow the eclipse as it moves through Colombia and Brazil online here courtesy of timeanddate.com.

2023-10-14T18:23:35.460Z

We are approaching the “ring of fire” in Neiva, Colombia

annular eclipse crescent sun

(Image credit: timeanddate)

The moon is turning the sun into a thin crescent in Neiva, Colombia!

You can continue to follow the eclipse as it moves through Colombia and Brazil online here courtesy of timeanddate.com.

2023-10-14T17:33:56.305Z

Things are wrapping up at Great Basin National Park (but the eclipse is far from over)

annular eclipse brett

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“The temperature has risen back to normal as the end of the annular solar eclipse approaches. Most of the crowds have left already.” — Brett Tingley

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

You can continue to follow the eclipse as it moves through Colombia and Brazil online here courtesy of timeanddate.com.

2023-10-14T17:00:06.203Z

See the 1st ‘ring of fire’ photos and video

annular eclipse

Annularity from the Great Basin National Park.  (Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

The first images of the moon passing between the sun and the Earth in a so-called “ring of fire” solar eclipse are coming in and the views are amazing. 

See the first photos and video here

You can follow the “ring of fire” across the U.S. and watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

2023-10-14T16:51:55.929Z

Kerrville, Texas welcomes the “ring of fire”

annular eclipse

(Image credit: NASA)

The “ring of fire” has now made it to Kerrville, Texas!

You can follow the “ring of fire” across the U.S. and watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here

2023-10-14T16:39:10.395Z

The “ring of fire” has made it to Albuquerque, New Mexico

annularity

(Image credit: NASA)

The “ring of fire” has passed over Albuquerque, New Mexico.

You can follow the “ring of fire” across the U.S. and watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here

2023-10-14T16:34:00.953Z

End of annularity for Great Basin National Park

annular eclipse end of annularity

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

The “ring of fire” stage has ended for those in the Great Basin National Park, it will now turn into a partial solar eclipse. You can learn about the main stages of the annular solar eclipse here. You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here and follow the “ring of fire” as it moves across the U.S. It hasn’t finished yet!

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

2023-10-14T16:25:23.928Z

Behold! The “ring of fire” has arrived!

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“A cheer just went up here at Great Basin National Park as we’ve reached annularity. The temperature has dropped significantly, and the light has taken on a twilight quality.” — Brett Tingley

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

2023-10-14T16:17:42.810Z

Moon turns sun into crescent

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“The light is beginning to change as more and more of the sun is blocked by the moon. The temperature has dropped slightly.” — Brett Tingley

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
2023-10-14T16:13:32.612Z

Hungry moon takes a big “bite”

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

The moon is taking a huge “bite” out of the sun as the annular solar eclipse edges closer to the “ring of fire” phase.

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

2023-10-14T16:07:08.276Z

More than half of the sun is eclipsed!

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

More than half of the sun is now eclipsed by the moon! The famous “ring of fire” will be the next significant phase. 

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.


You can 
watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

2023-10-14T16:03:56.747Z

First of three eclipse-studying rockets has been launched

sounding rocket launch

(Image credit: NASA)

The first of three sounding rockets to study the eclipse has been launched! 

Launching from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the rockets will specifically target the ionosphere. During the eclipse, temperature and density will drop in the ionosphere, creating a wave-like effect that can affect satellite communications, including GPS.

Read more: NASA will launch rockets into the annular solar eclipse’s shadow on Oct. 14

2023-10-14T15:54:28.750Z

Partial eclipse stage is well underway

annular eclipse brett

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

The partial eclipse stage of the eclipse is well underway as the moon appears to take a large “bite” out of the sun.

This image was captured by our Editor Brett Tingley using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter from the Great Basin National Park.

You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here.

2023-10-14T15:47:15.702Z

Livestream is underway with stunning views

annular eclipse nasa weather balloons

(Image credit: NASA)

You can watch the livestream of the annular eclipse courtesy of NASA here. Impressive views of the eclipse are already coming in alongside an interesting conversation about scientific research balloons!

2023-10-14T15:41:39.119Z

Relief! (for now)

annular eclipse brett

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“As the clouds begin to part, the crowds here at Great Basin National Park let out audible sighs of relief as the sun and the moon emerged back into view some 30 minutes after the eclipse began.” — Brett Tingley

2023-10-14T15:32:17.067Z

Clouds could be problematic for some

annular eclipse

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“Clouds are moving in here at Great Basin National Park, obscuring the view of the beginning stages of the annular solar eclipse. There’s still an hour to go before annularity, though, and crowds here are hopeful that they will clear out in time. Eclipse chasers have gathered here from all over the United States, some with homemade t-shirts commemorating the event and the long road trips it took to get to remote Baker, Nevada.” — Brett Tingley, Editor, Space.com.

2023-10-14T15:28:09.252Z

Our eclipse livestream has begun!

Solar eclipse photographed in Chon Buri, Thailand. The red hue image shows a distinct 'ring of fire' glowing in the sky, slightly obscured by a cloud.

(Image credit: Chayanan Phomsukwisit / EyeEm via Getty Images)

Our annular solar eclipse livestream courtesy of NASA has begun! Watch the eclipse live here.

2023-10-14T15:16:33.521Z

Here it comes!

annular eclipse Brett

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“Some clouds are passing by but we’re seeing the first edge of the moon pass over the sun” — Brett Tingley

Look at the top portion of the image and you can just start to see the moon!

annular eclipse Brett

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

Brett is using the Unistellar eQuinox 2 with Smart Solar Filter to capture the impressive views of the eclipse from The Great Basin National Park.

2023-10-14T14:52:37.434Z

Space.com’s Editor Brett Tingley is ready and waiting!

great basin national park annular solar eclipse 2023

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)

“The sun is just rising over the mountains on a crisp, cold morning at the foot of Great Basin National Park as we’re just an hour away from the beginning stages of today’s annular solar eclipse.” — Brett Tingley

Space.com’s editor Brett Tingley is waiting for the eclipse to begin and has already captured an awesome image of the sun, just look at the size of those sunspots!

great basin national park annular solar eclipse 2023

(Image credit: Future/Brett Tingley)
2023-10-14T13:34:36.852Z

‘Ring of Fire’ Eclipse day is here!

(Image credit: NASA/Scientific Visualization Studio/Michala Garrison; eclipse calculations by Ernie Wright, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Good morning, Space Fans, and today’s the day: It’s annular solar eclipse day for parts of the U.S., Central America and South America. 

A “ring of fire” solar eclipse will occur today and you’ll be able to watch it online, if you were unable to get to a location within the path of annularity, in which the moon will cover most, but not all, of the sun, leaving a brilliant ring around its edges known as a “ring of fire.”

The eclipse will begin its partial phase at 11:03 a.m. EDT (1603 GMT) and begin its ring of fire phase for the first time at 12:13 p.m. EDT (1713 GMT) as it passes over parts of Oregon. It will then cross seven other U.S. states, moving from Oregon to Texas before crossing the Gulf of Mexico to reach Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil, making the famous “ring of fire” visible to millions of people. 

You can watch it here live, starting at 11:30 a.m. EDT (1630 GMT).

You can see the entire path of annularity including start and end times for different stages of the  eclipse at each location in this interactive map created by French eclipse expert Xavier Jubier. NASA has also created a helpful interactive map for tracking the eclipse across the U.S. down to the last second and seeing what it will look like from select destinations along the route.

You can also use the SkySafari app to track the eclipse from your location. If you are not in the path of annularity, you will be able to see a partial solar eclipse. But of course, it all depends on your local weather. Our skywatching columnist Joe Rao has a full weather solar eclipse forecast for the United States here.

Space.com Editor Brett Tingley is in Nevada to observe the eclipse and will attempt to send updates here as it happens if his connection allows.

We’ll also be posting updates of the eclipse’s progress here throughout the day. — Tariq Malik

2023-10-13T15:48:36.195Z

Annular eclipse weather forecast

The moon obscures most of the sun during an annular, or “ring of fire,” eclipse. (Image credit: NASA/Bill Dunford)

Space.com’s skywatching columnist and veteran meteorologist Joe Rao takes a look at the weather forecast for the annular solar eclipse. 

Skywatchers across the U.S. who are looking forward to viewing Saturday’s solar eclipse may run into a problem thanks to several unsettled weather systems that will predominate over the east-central part of the country, as well as along the Pacific coast.

Read more: ‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse on Oct. 14: Will the weather cooperate?

2023-10-13T10:07:10.863Z

Here’s how the eclipse will play out

Digital composite view of annular solar eclipse on May 20, 2012. Seven separate exposures were made twenty minutes apart and combined into one image. (Image credit: Paul Souders via Getty Images)

On Saturday (Oct. 14), an annular solar eclipse will sweep across the Americas. Here we explain the five main stages of the eclipse and what you can expect to see.

An annular eclipse occurs when the moon is far from the Earth, and therefore, the sun will not be completely obscured, leaving a fiery golden ring shining around the dark lunar disk. This will happen gradually, with the annular eclipse bookmarked by partial solar eclipse phases.

2023-10-12T16:04:26.509Z

Looking for an app to help track the eclipse?

a phone with an image of a solar eclipse on it

The popular astronomy app will help you stay up-to-the-second with this week’s ‘ring of fire.’ (Image credit: Sky Safari)

Popular astronomy app SkySafari has added a special set of features for tracking and viewing this week’s annular solar eclipse. The new eclipse features are available for SkySafari 7 Pro users (subscriptions start at $17.99), although anyone interested in trying it out can download a free trial.

NASA has released its own Eclipse Explorer 2023, an interactive map that lays out when and where the eclipse will be visible, including the path of annularity (the areas that will see the “ring of fire”).

And nonprofit organization Astronomers Without Borders is offering the “One Eclipse” app, designed to give users worldwide a front-row seat to the annular solar eclipse right in the palms of their hands.

2023-10-12T09:33:18.224Z

Did you know that there will be two eclipses this month?

Annular solar eclipse (left) and a partial lunar eclipse (right). (Image credit: Paul Souders (left) Biswarup Ganguly/ Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images (right))

Earth will experience two eclipses this month, an annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14 and a partial lunar eclipse on Oct. 28. 

While the annular solar eclipse will be visible to observers across the Americas, the lunar eclipse will be visible across much of the Eastern Hemisphere, including Europe, Africa and Asia. 

Read more: Earth will experience 2 eclipses this month. Here’s what you need to know

2023-10-11T09:31:20.771Z

3 days to go until the eclipse! But how fast will it travel?

graphic illustration depicting how fast a solar eclipse travels with a speedometer graphic overlaid on top of a graphic of a solar eclipse.

A ‘ring of fire’ annular solar eclipse will speed across the Americas on Oct. 14, 2023.  (Image credit: Eclipse graphic created using Canva by Daisy Dobrijevic.)

Did you know that on Oct. 14 when the annular solar eclipse sweeps across the Americas the speed of the moon’s shadow varies from more than 550,000 mph (more than twice as fast as a bolt of lighting) to as slow as 1,250 mph (about the same as a jet fighter). 

In the U.S., when the moon’s shadow strikes the Oregon coast at 9:13 a.m. PDT its speed will have already slowed down significantly to 5,683 mph. As it leaves the coast of Texas just 50 minutes later at 12:03 p.m. CDT it will have slowed down to 1,772 mph.

Why? It all depends on where on Earth the eclipse is happening, the distance to the moon and the moon’s orbital speed.

We take a more in-depth look at how fast the annular solar eclipse will travel including where it will move the fastest and the slowest.

2023-10-10T07:58:52.347Z

Explore the annular eclipse with this awesome interactive map

Moving the time slider in the user interface advances or reverses the eclipse through time on the day of the eclipse. (Image credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio)

If you can’t get enough of eclipse content as we countdown to the annular solar eclipse on Oct. 14 then this interactive eclipse map is for you! 

NASA’s Eclipse Explorer’s interactive map details when and where the eclipse can be seen, including the path and duration of annularity (the areas from which the ‘ring of fire’ can be seen), allowing you to track the eclipse down to the second!  

You can even toggle between cities and use the slider bar at the bottom to move through different stages of the eclipse. So what are you waiting for? Explore the annular solar eclipse today!

2023-10-09T10:14:27.422Z

Less than one week to go until the sun is turned into a spectacular ‘ring of fire’

an annular solar eclipse at sunset with a blood red sky and a flock of birds are silhouetted as they fly across the scene in the foreground.

During an annular solar eclipse the sun appears to turn into a glorious “ring of fire.” (Image credit: Chayanan via Getty Images)

The countdown to the annular solar eclipse 2023 is well underway! 

As we get ready for the impressive “ring of fire” spectacle we summarize where the eclipse is visible and why scientists are so excited

REMEMBER to NEVER look at the sun directly. To safely view this solar eclipse you must use solar filters at all times. Whether your location will experience a partial solar eclipse or an annular solar eclipse, the dangers are the same. Observers will need to wear solar eclipse glasses, and camerastelescopes and binoculars must have solar filters placed in front of their lenses at all times. 

Our how to observe the sun safely guide tells you everything you need to know about safe solar observations. 

2023-10-08T13:56:21.494Z

Future solar eclipses will all be rings of fire

Photographer Alexander Krivenyshev of WorldTimeZone.com captured the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse of Dec. 26, 2019 fromAl Hofuf in Saudi Arabia.

(Image credit: Alexander Krivenyshev )

In the far future, total solar eclipses will be a thing of the past and there’s physics behind it. 

As we prepare for the upcoming Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse, our skywatching columnist Joe Rao takes a look into the future, when the moon’s distance in relation to the Earth will be such that it will no longer totally cover the sun’s disk as seen from the Earth’s surface. 

Here’s why all solar eclipses will be rings in the future, and let us know how ready or excited you are for the Oct. 14 solar eclipse!

2023-10-06T15:59:38.220Z

Ring of fire solar eclipse of 2023 is one week away!

The path of annularity crossing the U.S. on October 14, 2023. (Image credit: NASA Scientific Visualization Studio)

The stage is set for one of the greatest sun events of 2023, if not the greatest skywatching event of the year! 

We are officially one week away from the annular solar eclipse of Oct. 14 and is one that could potentially be visible to millions of people across the United States. While not a total solar eclipse, the annular eclipse will offer a “ring of fire” effect for observers in the path of maximum coverage, as the moon will not completely cover the sun during the event. Instead, it will leave a small ring of the sun visible, also called an annulus, hence its name.

Ultimate guide to October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse

The path of annularity will cross parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas before moving on to Central and South America. If you are not in the path of annularity, you’ll be able to see partial solar eclipse, BUT BE SURE TO USE PROTECTIVE SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES to protect your eyes and vision.

Here’s a look at some of Space.com’s resources for the solar eclipse to help you prepare for the event. We’ll have daily stories leading up to the event.

How fast will the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse travel?

How long with the Oct. 14 solar eclipse last?

10 events, viewing parties and festivals for October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse

10 beauty spots to see October’s ‘ring of fire annular solar eclipse

Total vs. annular: Why solar eclipses produce totality or a ‘ring of fire’

7 places to see rare ‘edge effects’ during October’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse

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