Turn Around, Bright Eyes: The 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse
Come mid-October, a major celestial event will be viewable from vast regions of the Western Hemisphere. However, ensure you have the proper eye protection to enjoy this sight safely.
Understanding the Annular Eclipse
The 2023 annular solar eclipse, scheduled for October 14, is set to be fully visible from most of the Southwestern US, while the rest of the country will experience a partial view. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon appears smaller than the Sun, resulting in a stunning circular “ring of fire” as the Moon passes directly in front of it. This rare phenomenon undoubtedly captivates astronomy enthusiasts.
If you’re seeking a total eclipse experience, you will have to wait until 2024, when a total solar eclipse will be visible from 13 states across the Midwest and Northeast. Notable prime viewing locations will include Dallas, Texas; Rochester, NY; and Montreal, Canada. Moreover, Rochester is planning a multi-day festival centered around the event that features viewing experiences, food, and educational lectures, as well as fun activities for children.
Where to Witness the 2023 Annular Eclipse
This year, I will be observing the annular eclipse from Nevada, specifically aboard the historic Nevada Northern Railway. This scenic route leads to Keystone, situated in the “path of annularity,” where the Sun’s ring will be prominently visible. The Nevada Northern Railway itself is a treasure trove of historical railway buildings and vintage trains, operating as a museum since 1987.
If you’re looking for the perfect viewing spot, here are some national parks and preservation areas in the American Southwest that fall within the path of annularity:
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada
- Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
- Modoc National Forest, California
- Canyonlands National Park, Utah
- Padre Island National Seashore, Texas
Additionally, these viewing sites will coincide with the last day of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, making for a wonderful experience for visitors.
What to Keep in Mind
Many locations are organizing special activities and viewing parties, consequently offering advice to avoid crowds and secure parking. Moreover, they provide valuable information on safe eclipse viewing, since observing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection, even for brief moments, can lead to retinal damage. In short, avoid staring at the Sun during any time, even during an eclipse.
Beyond the risk of injury, witnessing the peripheral environmental changes during an eclipse is a thrilling experience. Wildlife often alters its behavior during these events, reacting as though night has fallen. Birds become silent, while nocturnal creatures, such as bats and owls, begin to stir, creating an eerie atmosphere unique to eclipses, making them a rare and cherished spectacle.
Stay tuned for more information about the 2023 annular eclipse and its significance in Nevada.
