On October 14, 2023, something amazing will happen in the sky called a “ring of fire” eclipse. It’s a special kind of eclipse where the Moon covers the Sun, but not completely. People in some places like the northwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, South America, and Brazil will get to see it. Even if you’re not in those places, you might see a bit of the Sun covered by the Moon if the weather is good.
Credit: JAXA/NASA/SAO/NAOJ
Think of a map showing where this cool event will happen. It’s like drawing a line to show where the Moon and Sun will meet. NASA and experts made these cool maps and animations to help us understand where and how we can see this eclipse.
Usually, the Moon is sometimes closer and sometimes farther from Earth. When it’s farther and comes in between the Sun and Earth, it creates this “ring of fire” eclipse. The Moon looks smaller than the Sun because it’s far away, making a glowing ring in the sky. Remember, if you’re watching, use special glasses to protect your eyes and stay safe.
In another kind of eclipse, like the one happening in 2024, the Moon is closer to Earth. It can cover the Sun completely for a little while, making it look like night during the day.
Credit: NASA
What you see during the “ring of fire” eclipse depends on where you are and if the weather is clear. Even if it’s a bit cloudy, things might get a little dark and strange during the day. Animals, like birds and bees, notice this too. Birds go to sleep, bees go back to their homes, and even turtles come out of the water.
If you want to see the complete “ring of fire,” you need to be in a special place where the eclipse is happening. But if you can’t go there, watching online is a great idea. NASA will have a live show on YouTube, starting at 10:30 a.m. CT on October 14, 2023. Smart people will talk about the eclipse and show us cool views from special telescopes. It’s like being a part of the magic even if you’re not there in person.
