What is the Path of Totality for the October 14, 2023 Solar Eclipse?

September 1, 2023 - A solar eclipse is a rare and spectacular phenomenon that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. Depending on the alignment of the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth, a solar eclipse can be total, partial, or annular. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon completely covers the Sun, creating a dark and dramatic scene in the sky. A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon only partially covers the Sun, creating a crescent-shaped sun. An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon is too far from the Earth to cover the Sun completely, creating a ring of fire around the Moon.

On October 14, 2023, an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America, creating a path of annularity that stretches from Oregon through Texas and beyond. The path of annularity is the narrow region on Earth where the Moon appears to cover most of the Sun’s disk, leaving only a thin ring of light visible. The path of annularity for this eclipse will be about 125 miles wide and will cover about 11% of the Earth’s surface. The duration of annularity will vary from place to place, but it will last up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its maximum point.

The path of annularity will begin in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and end in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT1. Along the way, it will pass through several states, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Some of the major cities that will witness the annular solar eclipse are Eugene (Oregon), Alturas (California), Battle Mountain (Nevada), Richfield (Utah), Albuquerque (New Mexico), and San Antonio (Texas). The map below shows the path of annularity over North America.

The path of annularity will then cross into Mexico and Central America, passing over Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Some of the major cities that will witness the annular solar eclipse are Oaxaca (Mexico), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Belmopan (Belize), Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Managua (Nicaragua), and Panama City (Panama). The map below shows the path of annularity over Mexico and Central America.

The path of annularity will finally cross into South America in Colombia. It will pass over Northern Brazil before ending at sunset in the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the major cities that will witness the annular solar eclipse are Bogota (Colombia), Manaus (Brazil), Boa Vista (Brazil), and Macapa (Brazil). The map below shows the path of annularity over South America.

If you are planning to watch the annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, you need to be prepared and safe. You should never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, as it can cause permanent eye damage or blindness. You should use special solar filters or eclipse glasses that block out most of the Sun’s harmful rays. You should also avoid using regular sunglasses, binoculars, telescopes, or cameras without proper filters, as they can magnify the Sun’s rays and damage your eyes. You should also check the weather forecast and choose a clear and unobstructed location to view the eclipse.

The annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023 will be an amazing opportunity to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring events. If you are lucky enough to be in or near the path of annularity, you will see a ring of fire in the sky that will leave you breathless. If you are outside the path of annularity but still in North, Central, or South America, you will see a partial solar eclipse that will still be worth watching. No matter where you are, make sure to enjoy this rare and spectacular sight safely and responsibly.