If you're a space nerd, a space jock, a space yearbook editor, or even just a casual student of space — whichever you are, you're doubtlessly excited for this weekend's solar eclipse:
On Saturday, the moon will pass in front of the sun, obscuring much of it but leaving behind a brilliant ring, or annulus, of unfiltered sunlight in parts of the western United States. This is known as an "annular" or "ring of fire" solar eclipse.
Me this weekend lookin' for that sweet sweet solar eclipse:
Alas, "only a narrow swath from Oregon to Texas as well as parts of Mexico, Central America, Colombia and Brazil will be able to see the full ring of fire," although "the entire Lower 48 states will witness at least a partial solar eclipse." So that's cool!
Is your home in the path of the "full ring of fire?" Check out NASA's map of the eclipse path. (This year's path is on the left; 2024's is on the right.)
Here's a video too:
Those of you who bought property in Battle Mountain, Nevada, 25 years ago — your time has come round at last! The rest of us will just have to wait.
For those who really are in the path of the eclipse, the timing of it will vary — check your local weatherman's blog or newspaper listings.
And remember: "To view either the ring of fire annular eclipse or the partial eclipse, you'll need protective eclipse glasses to avoid permanent eye damage when watching it."
Happy eclipsing!
P.S. Now check out our latest video 👇
