A ‘ring of fire’ is currently the protagonist in the sky. This is the annular solar eclipse that will blind the planet, from different geographical points, this Saturday, October 14.

An annular solar eclipse is when the moon crosses in its orbit between the sun and Earth. When this happens, the moon, sun and earth align. In addition, the moon appears smaller than the sun, leaving a ‘ring’ of sunlight visible around it. Hence the nickname ‘ring of fire’.

The natural phenomenon is visible in several states of the United States, in Mexico, Central America and South America, including Ecuador.

: Clouds surround the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. Beginning on the coast of Oregon and ending on the east coast of South America, an annular solar eclipse, where the moon is furthest from Earth, will cast a halo of sunlight around the edge of the moon. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
Photo: AFP

“This is a truly unique event and the reason we are so excited is that the next total solar eclipse will occur in April 2024, but not until 2044, and the next annular solar eclipse that will occur in this part of the country (U.S.) perceived. It will be a long time before we no longer see this phenomenon,” said Dr. Kelly Korreck, astrophysicist and director of NASA’s 2023 and 2024 eclipses program, in a statement released last month.

When will the next solar eclipse occur?

A man watches the annular solar eclipse beneath a pyramid structure on October 14, 2023 in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah. (Photo by GEORGE FREY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)
Photo: AFP

According to POTthe next solar eclipse will occur in about six months, April 8, 2024. It will be a total solar eclipse, that is, the moon will align completely over the sun, blocking the sun’s visibility and darkening the sky, as if it were sunrise or sunset.

It will be the last total solar eclipse visible, at least from the United States, until 2044.

According to NASA data, the total solar eclipse will begin over the South Pacific and cross North America, passing through Mexico, the United States and Canada. Unfortunately will not be visible in Ecuador. (JO)