The public is invited to join solar scientists and students from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the National Solar Observatory (NSO) to watch the “ring of fire” eclipse from Hovenweep National Monument in Utah on October 14, 2023.

A “ring of fire” eclipse, formally known as an annular eclipse, occurs when the moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth but does not entirely block the Sun, causing a circle of light to remain visible.

Hovenweep National Monument is within the path of annularity, and visitors will be able to see the ring of fire around 10:30 a.m. local time. Scientists from NCAR’s High Altitude Observatory (HAO) and their colleagues at NSO will be onsite starting at 7 a.m. to support the National Park Service to provide safe public observations of the annular eclipse for visitors. The scientists will also be hosting two nighttime astronomy sessions for the public on the evenings of  Oct. 13 and 14 that will start between 7:30-8:00 p.m.

Details:

What: Watch the annular eclipse with solar scientists
Where: Hovenweep National Monument, Utah
When: Oct. 14, 2023, beginning at 7:00 a.m. The maximum phase of the eclipse will occur around 10:30 a.m.

What: Nighttime astronomy sessions
Where: Hovenweep National Monument, Utah
When: Oct. 13 and 14, beginning between 7:30-8:00 p.m. 

Image above: Photo of an annular solar eclipse taken by the solar optical telescope Hinode as the Moon came between it and the Sun. (Credit: JAXA/NASA)

See all News