2023 Annular Solar Eclipse

 

On October 14, 2023, the Western Hemisphere will experience an annular solar eclipse. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, otherwise known as NASA, has been preparing for it by sharing safety information and preparing a live broadcast for people to watch from anywhere. Learn more about annular solar eclipses and the role NASA plays below!

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA aims to "explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery." Founded in 1958, NASA began to accelerate scientific and technical limits. NASA was created in response to the Soviet space achievements by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It serves as an independent agency of the U.S. federal government. Prior to NASA, there was a National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) created in 1915 for aeronautics research. 

In relationship with these eclipses, NASA aims to prioritize safety, grow participation, public engagement, and citizen science. The annular solar eclipse is part of NASA's 2023 Heliophysics Big Year, a global celebration of solar science and the Sun's influence. 

What's an Annular Solar Eclipse?

With the upcoming solar eclipse, it's crucial to be prepared and educated on how to enjoy it safely. Eclipses, in general, occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth all line up, either partially or fully. What makes it an annular solar eclipse, is when the Sun appears as a "ring of fire." The intricacies of an annular solar eclipse is intense, marking the event as rare.

NASA Safety Tips

Because the Sun isn't completely blocked by the Moon, it can be unsafe to look directly at the Sun without any type of special eye protection. If the viewing tool lacks special-purpose solar filter, it can causes instant severe eye injury. There are various tools to help view the eclipse, like the ones pictured below. 

If you don't have the proper viewing tools, there is an indirect viewing method. The Pinhole projection method is easy and convenient. When the sun is behind you, sunlight can pass through a small opening and project the solar image onto another surface. Pasta colanders, for example, make the perfect pinhole projector. Individuals can also just use their fingers like in the photo below!

For individuals planning on watching the entire eclipse, please be sure to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage. 

When, Where & What

On October 14, the annular solar eclipse will begin in Oregon at around 9:10 a.m. PDT and end in Texas at around 12:00pm CDT.  NASA has provided the following trajectory map: 

There are 4 phases in an annular eclipse:

• Partial Eclipse
• forms a "C" shape
• Annularity
• "ring" of Sun visible behind the moon
• Partial Eclipse
• forms a "C" shape
• Partial Eclipse Ends
• no longer overlaps the Sun

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