Rapa Nui, located in the southeastern Pacific territory of Chile, is set to witness a stunning celestial event on Wednesday. NASA has revealed that a solar eclipse will be visible in parts of South America, creating a breathtaking “ring of fire” in the skies. Annular solar eclipses, such as this one, occur when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, but is unable to completely block out the sun due to its position in orbit, resulting in a fiery halo effect.
This rare phenomenon will be visible in various locations across the globe. While the full “ring of fire” will be seen in Rapa Nui, Argentina, and Chile, a partial eclipse will be visible in regions like Hawaii, American Samoa, Brazil, and Mexico. Those interested in observing either event are advised to use certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
The annular eclipse is expected to start at 12:50 p.m. ET and end at 4:39 p.m. ET, with the peak occurring at 2:45 p.m. ET. The eclipse will sweep over the Pacific and Atlantic oceans before making a spectacular appearance over Rapa Nui, famous for its iconic statues. It will then move to Chile’s Patagonian coast and eventually become visible in Argentina and the South Atlantic Coast.
For those without proper eye protection, NASA recommends using a telescope, binoculars, or camera with a solar filter. Indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projectors, can also provide a safe way to observe the eclipse. Additionally, upcoming celestial events like supermoons and meteor showers offer plenty of opportunities for sky-gazers to marvel at the wonders of the universe.
As the countdown to the eclipse begins, enthusiasts around the world are preparing to witness this extraordinary event, making sure they have the necessary gear to enjoy the spectacle safely. Whether using high-tech equipment or simple DIY tools, everyone can join in the excitement of watching the skies light up with the magic of a solar eclipse.