Will Solar Eclipse be visible in USA in 2023?
The paths of the Moon’s shadow over the U.S. during two upcoming solar eclipses are shown in this map. The first one, on October 14, 2023, will be an annular solar eclipse that will cross North, Central, and South America. This happens when the Moon is too far from Earth to cover the Sun completely, leaving a bright ring around the Moon. Those who are in the path of annularity will see this “ring of fire” effect in the sky. The second one, on April 8, 2024, will be a total solar eclipse that will cross North and Central America. This happens when the Moon blocks the Sun entirely, creating a dark and dramatic scene in the sky. Those who are in the path of totality will see the sky turn dark as if it were night and may see the Sun’s outer atmosphere (the corona) if the weather is clear. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
September 9, 2023 - The celestial events that have always fascinated humankind are the solar and lunar eclipses. These natural phenomena have been the subject of awe and wonder since time immemorial. In this article, we will delve into the details of the upcoming solar eclipse in 2023 and its visibility in the United States.
What is a Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun’s light either partially or completely. This results in a spectacular view from Earth, where it appears as if the Sun has been obscured by the Moon.
The 2023 Solar Eclipse
According to NASA, an annular solar eclipse is set to occur on October 14, 202312. An annular solar eclipse, also known as a “ring of fire” eclipse, happens when the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun. This results in a ring of sunlight around the Moon, creating a breathtaking “ring of fire” effect.
Visibility in the USA
The 2023 annular solar eclipse will be visible across North, Central, and South America2. In the United States, it will begin in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and end in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT. The path of this eclipse will cross several states including Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.
Anyone located within this path will have a chance to witness this celestial event if the skies are clear1. Outside these paths, a partial solar eclipse will be visible.
Preparing for the Eclipse
Viewing a solar eclipse requires special precautions as looking directly at the Sun can cause serious eye damage. It’s important to use certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to safely observe this event.The upcoming annular solar eclipse in 2023 promises to be an exciting event for stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re in Oregon or Texas or anywhere along the path of this celestial event, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience! Remember to mark your calendars for October 14, 2023, and join millions of people across America in witnessing this spectacular “ring of fire”!