On Wednesday, observers in select areas will have the exciting opportunity to witness an annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse.

This annular eclipse, or ring-shaped solar eclipse, will be prominently seen across South America, with at least one U.S. state potentially catching a glimpse. It occurs when the moon is positioned farthest from the sun, resulting in a spectacular ring of sunlight around the moon, rather than a complete visual darkness.

Currently, this eclipse will only be accessible to a limited audience in a single U.S. state. Are you curious whether you’ll be able to see it? Here’s everything you need to know about viewing the “ring of fire” annular eclipse.

When is the Ring of Fire Annular Solar Eclipse?

The annular solar eclipse, popularly termed the “ring of fire,” is set to take place on Wednesday, October 2.

The phenomenon will unfold in stages, as outlined by Time and Date data:

• 15:42 UTC: Partial eclipse commences. This phase occurs when the alignment between the moon, sun, and Earth is not perfect, casting only the outer shadow of the moon on the Earth.
• 16:50 UTC: Annular eclipse begins. This is the moment the moon shifts directly between the Earth and sun, creating the effect of a narrow band of sunlight surrounding the moon.
• 18:45 UTC: Maximum eclipse occurs. Here, the moon totally shades a portion of the sun’s surface.
• 20:39 UTC: Annular eclipse concludes.
• 21:47 UTC: The partial eclipse ends.

Where is the Solar Eclipse Visible?

This solar eclipse will be observable from several regions including parts of South America, the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and Antarctica.

Currently, only around 175,000 individuals reside along the path of annularity, as reported by Time and Date and NASA. However, about 245 million people could potentially view a partial eclipse.

In particular, southern Argentina and Chile will see the annular eclipse in its entirety, while Hawaii is the sole state in the U.S. expected to have a partial view of the October 2 eclipse.

NASA also notes that locations and nations capable of observing at least a partial eclipse include:

• American Samoa
• Antarctica
• Argentina
• Baker Island, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
• Brazil
• Chile
• Christmas Island
• Clipperton Island
• Cook Islands
• Falkland Islands
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Hawaii, USA
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Niue
• Palmyra Atoll, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands
• Paraguay
• Pitcairn Islands
• Samoa
• South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands
• Tokelau
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Uruguay
• Wallis and Futuna

Viewing the Ring of Fire Safely

The “ring of fire” annular eclipse of 2024 won’t be visible in the continental U.S. However, Hawaii will allow a partial view starting at approximately 6:10 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST) and ending at 7:57 a.m. HST.

Several Hawaiian cities will be able to view part of the eclipse early on October 2 (all times in HST, according to Time and Date):

• Hilo – Visible from 5:44 a.m. to 7:56 a.m.
• Honolulu – Visible from 5:45 a.m. to 7:52 a.m.
• Kailua-Kona – Visible from 5:44 a.m. to 7:56 a.m.
• Lihue – Visible from 5:46 a.m. to 7:51 a.m.
• Napili-Honokowai – Visible from 5:45 a.m. to 7:53 a.m.
• Wailuku – Visible from 5:45 a.m. to 7:54 a.m.
• Waipahu – Visible from 5:45 a.m. to 7:52 a.m.

Proper Eye Safety for Viewing the Solar Eclipse

NASA emphasizes the importance of eye protection while observing a partial or annular eclipse. Since the sun is never fully obscured, it is crucial to wear proper solar viewing glasses, commonly referred to as eclipse glasses, throughout the event or utilize a handheld solar viewer.

If you didn’t keep any glasses or viewers from a previous eclipse, you can create a simple indirect viewer, such as a pinhole projector or funnel viewer. Be aware that standard sunglasses, binoculars, and smartphone cameras do not provide adequate protection for viewing an eclipse; ensure your solar viewing methods meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standards, as per NASA’s guidance.