On October 2, a spectacular annular solar eclipse will be visible in select regions of the Pacific, southern Chile, and Argentina. During this phenomenon, the moon will align between the Earth and the sun, but due to its distance from the Earth, it will not completely cover the solar disk, creating the characteristic 'ring of fire'.
The path of annularity, where the eclipse will appear as annular, will vary between 265 and 331 kilometers wide, traversing only a limited area of land. For those unable to view the event in person, numerous platforms will provide real-time updates and live streaming, allowing people worldwide to follow the eclipse virtually.
It is crucial to remember that directly observing the sun without proper protection can be extremely dangerous. Safe viewing of the eclipse requires solar filters for both eyes and equipment such as cameras and telescopes. These precautions are necessary for both those viewing the annular eclipse and those witnessing a partial version.
Approximately 175,000 people live within the path where annularity will be visible, making the event geographically isolated. However, thanks to streaming technologies, everyone can experience this cosmic spectacle. Among the locations where the eclipse will be fully visible are Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in Chile and the Perito Moreno National Park in Argentina, where the duration of annularity will reach approximately 6 minutes and 12 seconds and 6 minutes and 17 seconds, respectively.
Beyond its visual splendor, this event also serves as a valuable opportunity for astronomers and enthusiasts to observe scientific details related to the positions of celestial bodies and the dynamics of eclipses. Simultaneously, the rare chance to witness the 'ring of fire' attracts tourists and scholars to the involved areas, promoting scientific tourism.