Upcoming Solar Eclipse:
The second solar eclipse of this year will occur on October 2, 2024. Earlier, a total solar eclipse was seen on April 8, 2024, in parts of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but it was not visible in India. The October 2 eclipse will be an annular solar eclipse, known as the “Ring of Fire,” where the Sun will look like a burning ring. This “Ring of Fire” will be visible for up to 7 minutes and 25 seconds.
Where Will the Eclipse Be Visible?
The solar eclipse on October 2 will affect a large area on Earth. It will start south of Hawaii in the North Pacific Ocean and end in South Georgia in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Eclipse Path:
The path of the eclipse will travel about 14,163 kilometers, with a width of 265 to 331 kilometers. However, the “Ring of Fire” will only be visible in the southern parts of Chile and Argentina, as most of the eclipse path is over the ocean.
Best Location for Viewing the “Ring of Fire”:
According to Space.com, the best view of the “Ring of Fire” will be from the remote volcanic island of Rapa Nui in the South Pacific Ocean. This location also saw a total solar eclipse on July 11, 2010.
Visibility in India:
The solar eclipse on October 2 will not be visible in India. The next significant solar eclipse for India will be on May 21, 2031. It will be an annular solar eclipse where about 28.87% of the Sun will be covered. According to Time and Date, the best viewing locations in India will be in the cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
