NEW YORK – A celestial spectacle will soon unfold over Antarctica, as the first solar eclipse of the year provides a unique show for a fortunate few who find themselves in this icy expanse.
On Tuesday, an annular solar eclipse, often referred to as a “ring of fire,” will illuminate the southernmost continent, a region known for its research outposts and varied wildlife.
“The penguins down there are going to have a great show,” noted Joe Llama, an astronomer from Lowell Observatory, highlighting the rare opportunity for those in Antarctica.
Should weather conditions allow, people in select areas such as the southern tips of Chile and Argentina, as well as parts of southeastern Africa, including Madagascar, Lesotho, and South Africa, may witness a partial eclipse where the sun appears to have small segments missing.
Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align perfectly, causing the moon’s shadow to obscure the sun’s light either partially or entirely from Earth’s perspective.
“It’s this beautiful coincidence between the size and the distance of the moon and the sun,” explained Emily Rice, an astrophysicist with the City University of New York, describing the fascinating alignment.
During an annular, or ring-shaped, eclipse, the moon just happens to be farther away from Earth in its orbit so it doesn’t totally cover the sun. Only a thin sliver remains visible.
“The sun essentially gets its core taken out,” Llama said.
Solar eclipses happen a few times a year, but are only visible from places in the path of the moon’s shadow. Two partial eclipses happened last year, and the last total solar eclipse swept across North America in 2024.
Looking directly at the sun is dangerous even when most of it is covered so make sure to grab eclipse glasses. They block out ultraviolet light from the sun and nearly all visible light. Sunglasses and binoculars aren’t protective enough.
Eclipse glasses should say they comply with ISO 12312-2 standards, though fake suppliers can also list this on their products.
There are also ways to enjoy solar eclipses indirectly. Make a pinhole projector using household materials or hold up a colander or cheese grater to the sky and look down to see images of the eclipse projected onto the ground.
There is a total solar eclipse in the cards in August for skygazers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and part of Portugal. Swaths of Europe, Africa and North America will be treated to a partial eclipse.
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