Pakistan to Miss the "Ring of Fire" Solar Eclipse on October 2
Heads up, skywatchers! The much-anticipated annular solar eclipse, often called the “ring of fire,” is set to occur on the night of October 2-3, 2024. Unfortunately, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that this celestial event will not be visible from Pakistan.
Kicking off at 8:45 PM local time, the eclipse will grace the skies over parts of North and South America and Antarctica, but for residents of Pakistan, it will be a missed opportunity.
So, what’s the scoop on this “ring of fire”? During an annular solar eclipse, the moon passes directly in front of the sun but is positioned farther from Earth, leaving a glowing ring around the edges. This stunning display will primarily be visible in southern regions of Chile and Argentina.
This marks the second and final solar eclipse of 2024, following an April event that captivated millions in the US. In Chile and Argentina, the annularity will last just three to six minutes, with some prime viewing spots including Perito Moreno National Park and Puerto Deseado.
For those in South America, a partial solar eclipse will accompany the event, visible about 85 minutes before and after the annular phase, stretching across parts of South America, Antarctica, and even Hawaii. Key cities for this partial view include Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Asunción.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the path of the annularity, remember to protect your eyes! Regular sunglasses won’t cut it; you’ll need specialized solar viewers or filters. Alternatively, you can craft a pinhole projector to safely enjoy the spectacle.
Will you be heading to a viewing spot, or will you be watching from afar? Share your eclipse plans! 🌒✨
