Enthusiastic Skywatchers Witness ‘Ring of Fire’ Eclipse Across the Western Hemisphere
ALBUQUERQUE: Enthusiasts of the night sky in the Americas directed their attention skyward this past Saturday to witness a unique cosmic phenomenon: an annular solar eclipse.
A group of spectators, donned in safety glasses, congregated in Albuquerque, New Mexico, joining numerous other locations throughout the western US to observe the Moon’s passage between the Sun and Earth. Given its considerable distance, the Moon did not completely obscure the Sun, resulting in the mesmerizing “ring of fire” phenomenon.
In a span of just a few hours, the remarkable “route of the annularity” traversed several prominent cities, encompassing Albuquerque, alongside Eugene, Oregon, and San Antonio, Texas. The phases of the partial eclipse extended for approximately one to two hours before and after the annular phase.
We're getting our first views of the "ring of fire"!
— NASA (@NASA) October 14, 2023
Here's a look at the annular solar eclipse from Albuquerque, N.M., as the Moon nearly (but not completely) covers up the Sun. pic.twitter.com/SCW8r77FG4
Previously, NASA had announced that the eclipse would be observable in these urban centers between 9:15 AM and 11:50 AM, adjusted to their respective local time zones.
Irrespective of the location, the spectacle could be witnessed for durations ranging from 30 seconds to five minutes. Individuals were strongly advised to take safety measures, employing solar viewing glasses rather than conventional sunglasses, to safeguard their eyesight.
The eclipse’s trajectory also extended through Mexico and Central America, progressing further into South America, passing through Colombia and northern Brazil, ultimately concluding as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean.
