"Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse Will be Visible to People in the U.S. For the First Time in History
Outer space has always piqued public interest, especially because of the beauty and mystery of the skies that lie above our world. Things like shooting stars, comets, and meteorites always give us something to marvel at, but solar eclipses offer a distinct level of excitement. A rare solar eclipse is expected to be visible in North America for the first time in 11 years. The last solar eclipse of its kind took place in May of 2012. The annual solar eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire,” is set to make its way across eight U.S. states beginning on October 13. The “ring of fire” is different from a total solar eclipse for a very distinct reason. According to NASA, this event occurs when “the moon passes between the sun and earth while it's at its farthest point from the planet.” The result is a spectacularly luminous circle with a flame-like rim. To witness a “ring of fire” is an experience unlike any other. The solar eclipse can be viewed along a 125-mile path across the country. People residing in Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas have the highest probability of seeing the ring of fire in action. Those who want to get a look at the eclipse from other states will only be able to catch a partial view from afar. The closer stargazers are to the center of the path the eclipse is traveling on, the longer the ring of fire will be visible. This year, astronomers believe the moon will eclipse 91 percent of the sun, allowing for an extremely bright solar event. Special eclipse glasses are recommended for those who want to stare off into the stars without worrying about scorching their retinas.
"Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse Will be Visible to People in the U.S. For the First Time in History
Outer space has always piqued public interest, especially because of the beauty and mystery of the skies that lie above our world. Things like shooting stars, comets, and meteorites always give us something to marvel at, but solar eclipses offer a distinct level of excitement. A rare solar eclipse is expected to be visible in North America for the first time in 11 years. The last solar eclipse of its kind took place in May of 2012. The annual solar eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire,” is set to make its way across eight U.S. states beginning on October 13. The “ring of fire” is different from a total solar eclipse for a very distinct reason. According to NASA, this event occurs when “the moon passes between the sun and earth while it's at its farthest point from the planet.” The result is a spectacularly luminous circle with a flame-like rim. To witness a “ring of fire” is an experience unlike any other. The solar eclipse can be viewed along a 125-mile path across the country. People residing in Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas have the highest probability of seeing the ring of fire in action. Those who want to get a look at the eclipse from other states will only be able to catch a partial view from afar. The closer stargazers are to the center of the path the eclipse is traveling on, the longer the ring of fire will be visible. This year, astronomers believe the moon will eclipse 91 percent of the sun, allowing for an extremely bright solar event. Special eclipse glasses are recommended for those who want to stare off into the stars without worrying about scorching their retinas.