San Antonio Set for Solar Eclipse: Must-Know Details for the ‘Ring of Fire’
San Antonio residents are in for a rare treat as the city gears up to witness the annular solar eclipse this year. Set to occur in a few months, this celestial event promises to leave spectators in awe. With NASA predicting nearly 90 percent coverage for San Antonio, the eclipse will transform the sky into a mesmerizing display, showcasing an orange rim known as the “ring of fire.” Meanwhile, those residing in cities like Hondo and Vanderpool, which lie in the thin blue line on the graphic below, will be lucky enough to experience 100 percent coverage. Bexar County, located in the black area of the graphic, falls directly in the main pathway of the eclipse, while areas shaded in light purple will witness 80 percent coverage.
Regardless of your chosen viewing location, it is important to keep a few things in mind to fully enjoy the annular eclipse in October. First and foremost, mark your calendars for Saturday, October 14, 2023, when this awe-inspiring spectacle will traverse North and South America. The eclipse commences as early as 10:23 a.m., revealing a partial eclipse as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth. This celestial dance reaches its climax at 11:54 a.m., lasting for approximately two minutes, during which a ring from the sun will become visible behind the moon and the sky will gradually darken. By 1:33 p.m., the eclipse will come to a close.
It is crucial to note that direct observation of the sun during the eclipse poses significant risks to eye health. Despite the moon “blocking” the sun, professionals strongly advise against looking directly at the sun, even with sunglasses. Instead, consider utilizing proper eclipse glasses that are thousands of times darker than normal glasses and adhere to the ISO 12312-2 international standard. These specialized eyewear options make it safe for viewers to observe the eclipse directly. For those seeking a closer look, solar filters can be applied to telescopes and cameras to capture the intricate details of this celestial phenomenon.
To better comprehend the annular eclipse, it is essential to distinguish it from a total eclipse. During an annular solar eclipse, the moon’s position is farthest from Earth, resulting in its apparent smaller size. Consequently, the moon cannot entirely obscure the sun, leading to the creation of a dark disk surrounded by a brighter ring. This contrasts with a total eclipse, wherein the moon appears to be the same size as the sun, allowing only the Sun’s corona and outer atmosphere to be visible. During a total eclipse, viewers may safely remove their solar glasses for a brief period, providing a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of our universe firsthand.
San Antonio is fortunate enough to be in the direct path of both the annular eclipse in October and the total eclipse set to occur on April 8, 2024. These celestial phenomena offer residents a chance to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos, prompting a shared sense of awe and wonder. So, mark your calendars, prepare your eclipse glasses, and get ready to witness the captivating beauty that awaits us in the skies above.
