For those who are eagerly awaiting the 2024 total solar eclipse, another astronomical event is coming up even sooner: a “Ring of Fire” eclipse.
On October 14, 2023, the sun, moon, and Earth will align and partially block the sun, creating a “Ring of Fire” that will be visible in the Western Hemisphere.
This solar event is almost as rare as the total solar eclipse coming next year, and it will be the last annular eclipse visible from the United States until 2039 when another will pass over Alaska.
This more low-key solar phenomenon means cheaper accommodations and less crowded national parks as the planetary pathway will travel over six US national parks and more public lands.
Starting a little after 9AM PST, the “Ring of Fire” will be visible from southwestern Oregon, then northeastern Nevada, south-central Utah, central New Mexico, west-central Texas, and finally finishing around noon Central Time over the Gulf of Mexico.
The best national parks to visit include Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, Great Basin National Park in Nevada, Canyonlands National Park in Utah, and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado plus 70 -90% obscuration in Yosemite, Yellowstone, Joshua Tree, and Zion.
Check out the video below to see what the “Ring of Fire” eclipse looks like, and read more about the upcoming eclipse and where to watch it here.
Featured image credit NASA/Aubrey Gemignani
