Witnessing an eclipse is always a mesmerising experience, even more so when this is a total solar eclipse. And, every once in a while, when conditions are right, some places around the globe are positioned well enough for a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse.
Annular solar eclipses are called ‘ring of fire’ due to the special effect the Moon creates when passing in front of the Sun. The occur when the Moon is at or near its farthest point from Earth, thus appearing smaller and not covering the entire surface of the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon.
The next annular solar eclipse will be on 14 October 2023 and will be visible from parts of North, Central and South America. While a partial eclipse will be visible from most of the Americas and even the Westernmost African coast, the ring of fire will only have a narrow path, but crossing some spectacular viewing points.
1. Mayan ruins
The sun will pass over the Mayan town of Uxmal, in Yucatán, during the annular eclipse. The UNESO World Heritage Site will see the apogee of the eclipse when the sun is located around 61° above the horizon. However, although this could provide a unique experience, according to data from timeanddate, the site has been cloudy for 90% of 14ths of October since 2001, so checking sky coverage before heading to the ruins is advisable.
2. Longest ring of fire
A place offering better chances of catching a glimpse of the ring of fire, with only 38% historically cloudy days of 14 October according to timeanddate, will be in California’s Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge, on the Sheepy Ridge Trail to be more precise. The site will also allow for the longest view of the eclipse and, being in a Wildlife Refuge, spectators will be able to witness changes in birds’ behaviour moments before the celestial event starts.
3. Closest to horizon
The recreational area at Oregon’s sand dunes will be closest to the centreline of the annular eclipse as possible (just 17º to the southeast), meaning the ring of fire will appear closest to the horizon here. While not ideal, a 58% historically cloudy 14 October still offers pretty good odds.
4. Liquid Rainbow
Colombia’s Caño Cristales (Chrystal Channel) is also known as the River of Five Colours, or the Liquid Rainbow due to its spectacular coloration, varying from yellow, green and blue to black and especially red. The rainbow appears from the end of July through November, so 14 October will be a great occasion to combine both events. Cloud chances based on pastime projections will however be 80%.
5. Dark Sky Sanctuary
For the least obstructed view, the eclipse will be observable from Nevada’s Massacre Rim Dark Sky National Conservation Area, a recognised Dark Sky Sanctuary, an area recognised for exceptional or distinguished stargazing conditions. With only 30% chances of clouds and camping allowed throughout the entire area, this would be a perfect opportunity for seeing the Milky Way and the ring of fire on the same camping trip.
