On October 2, 2024, a rare annular solar eclipse will be visible from parts of Easter Island, Argentina, and Chile. During this event, the moon will block most of the sun, creating a stunning 'ring of fire' effect.
The eclipse will start at 14:04 local time on Easter Island and will progress through various locations in Chile and Argentina, concluding in the South Atlantic Ocean. This phenomenon occurs because the moon is farther away from Earth, making it appear smaller and unable to cover the entire solar disk.
Approximately 175,000 people will witness the annular eclipse, while around 239 million will see only a partial eclipse. Safety precautions are crucial, as viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause severe vision damage.
This eclipse is part of a series of solar events, following a total solar eclipse earlier in April 2024. The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK will not occur until September 23, 2090.