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A ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse is coming. But only a lucky few will see it
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A ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse is coming. But only a lucky few will see it

NEW YORK (AP) — A “ring of fire” solar eclipse is coming. But only a lucky few will find themselves on the path.

The annular solar eclipsewill be visible Wednesday over Easter Island and the peaks of Argentina and Chile.

Here’s how to watch the final safely solar spectacle of the year.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

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FILE – The annular solar eclipse over Boise, Idaho, culminates with the moon covering 80 percent of the sun, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (Darin Oswald/Idaho Statesman via AP, File)

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FILE – The moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, as seen from San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

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FILE – Viewers use special glasses to see how the moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, as seen from San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth line up exactly. The moon casts a shadow that can partially or completely block the sun’s light.

During an annular solar eclipse, the moon darkens all but an annular portion of the sun. That’s because the moon is at a point in its orbit that is further away from Earth.

“The moon is just not big enough to cover the sun,” says Carolyn Sumners of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

This eclipse will mainly take place above water in the Pacific Ocean. Rapa Nui, known as Easter Island, is along the path along with parts of Argentina and Chile.

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A partial solar eclipse, in which the sun appears as a crescent moon, can be seen from several locations, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Hawaii.

Solar eclipses occur about two to five times a year. April’s total solar eclipse blinded sky watchers in parts of Mexico, Canada and the US

How do I watch a solar eclipse safely?

Looking directly at the sun can cause eye damage, even if it is mostly covered.

The annular solar eclipse can be viewed safely if you wear solar eclipse glasses, which block ultraviolet light from the sun and almost all visible light. Sunglasses or binoculars are not enough.

Glasses must say that they meet ISO 12312-2 standards, although fake suppliers may also state this on their products.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can still enjoy the spectacle indirectly. Make a pinhole projector from household materials or hold up a colander and look down to see an image of the eclipse projected below.

Peering to the ground under a shady tree can also reveal crescent-shaped shadows as sunlight filters through branches and leaves.

What comes next?

Next year, in March and September, two partial solar eclipses will grace the sky.

The next total solar eclipse won’t occur until 2026, passing over the northern edges of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.