The Ring of Fire, the Dangerous Moon’s on the Rise, and Other Public Viewings of the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
The “ring of fire” effect happens when the moon, which appears smaller in the sky because it’s further away from us, passes directly in front of the sun.
A total solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, when the moon will completely cover up the sun, and viewers from Maine to Texas will be in the path of totality.
There are several U.S. cities in the path of annularity. Theeclipse will be visible in Eugene, Oregon starting at 9:16 a.m. local time; in Albuquerque, New Mexico beginning 10:34 a.m. local time and in San Antonio, Texas around 11:52 a.m. local time.
Don’t forget about your skin. NASA recommends that anyone spending hours in direct sunlight viewing the eclipse should wear protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
A rad moon’s on the rise. Millions of people will be immersed in a weird morning gloom on October 14, when our lunar satellite briefly flies before the sun. This eclipse will not be total because the moon won’t block the entire sun. Instead, it will create a glowing orange outer ring.
A partial ring of fire can still be seen by people near the path. Most of the sun will be obscured during the eclipse, which will happen in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and Houston. Of course, all viewings depend on pesky clouds staying out of the way. (See NASA’s and Sky & Telescope’s websites for more details about viewing times and locations.)