Annular eclipse of the sun: the fascinating phenomenon that lit up the sky
On October 14, 2023, an annular eclipse of the sun provided a captivating spectacle in the sky. Millions of people in the United States, Central and South America had the opportunity to contemplate this phenomenon, where the Moon partially covered the solar disk, creating an impressive “ring of fire”.
During an annular eclipse, the Moon is a little further from Earth compared to a total eclipse, making it appear as if its diameter is slightly smaller than that of the Sun. This creates a spectacular effect where we can see a ring of bright light surrounding the dark Moon.
The annular eclipse began shortly after 9 a.m. local time in Oregon, on the US Pacific coast, and traveled across several states to southern Texas. Unfortunately, some locations were obscured by clouds, reducing visibility of the event. Nevertheless, many lucky observers were able to enjoy this unique celestial spectacle.
For NASA, this eclipse was also an opportunity to conduct scientific studies. Scientists were able to observe variations in temperature and atmosphere during the event, which will provide a better understanding of the effects of solar eclipses on our environment.
Sounding rockets were launched from the White Sands military base in New Mexico to collect data on magnetic fields, electron density and temperature. This information will help answer lingering questions about the impact of solar eclipses on the ionosphere and the duration of the observed effects.
This annular eclipse was just a taste of what awaits us in April 2024, with a total solar eclipse expected in the United States. Both events promise to be scientifically stunning and will provide new research opportunities.
While the next total eclipse in the United States won’t occur until 2044, other countries will also have the opportunity to observe this impressive phenomenon. Spain, for example, will host a total eclipse in August 2026.
Solar eclipses are rare and precious events, providing scientists and observers with many mysteries to explore. These moments of connection between the Moon, Sun and Earth never fail to fascinate and captivate our collective imagination.