On October 14, 2023, a mesmerizing celestial event will grace the skies – a solar eclipse, also known as “surya grahan.” This natural wonder occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, temporarily obscuring the sun’s radiant light. The solar eclipse happening today is no ordinary one; it is an annular solar eclipse, often referred to as the “ring of fire” eclipse due to its distinctive appearance.
An annular solar eclipse differs from a total solar eclipse. It occurs when the moon comes directly between the sun and the Earth but does so when it’s at or near its farthest point from our planet. NASA explains that because the moon is relatively distant, it appears smaller than the sun and doesn’t completely block it out. Instead, it creates a captivating ring-like effect, with the outer edges of the sun still visible.
Annular Solar Eclipse October 2023
This intriguing celestial event, unfortunately, will not be visible in India. It is set to begin at 11:29 pm IST and last for approximately five minutes, concluding at 11:34 pm IST.
For those eager to witness this celestial spectacle, the best viewing opportunities lie in large portions of North America. The eclipse’s path will extend across regions of the United States, Mexico, and multiple countries in Central and South America.
In the United States, the annular solar eclipse commences in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and culminates in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT, as detailed by NASA.
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse
While the annular solar eclipse of October 14 is regrettably not visible in India, there’s no need to miss out entirely. NASA will be live-streaming the event on YouTube, allowing viewers from around the world to enjoy the celestial spectacle.
Celestial Events in October
October 2023 is poised to be an exceptional month for skywatchers. Not only will it host the annular solar eclipse, but it will also usher in a lunar eclipse on October 29. This lunar eclipse marks the second of the year.
Moreover, astronomy enthusiasts can anticipate the Orionid meteor shower. According to Jake Foster, a Royal Observatory public astronomy officer, the Orionids are set to peak on October 21 (October 22 in India), between midnight and dawn. Observers can anticipate up to 25 shooting stars every hour during this dazzling meteor shower, adding another layer of celestial wonder to this remarkable month.
