Next solar eclipse will be visible over US in fall 2023: Here’s where you can see it

An annular solar eclipse will be visible across the Western Hemisphere this fall, and some Americans will be able to see it, NASA is predicting.

NASA projects the eclipse will be visible across North America, Central America, and South America, including parts of the U.S. and Mexico.

The annular eclipse will be the first eclipse of any variation since April, when a hybrid solar eclipse was visible over the Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean and partially visible over Australia, Southeast Asia and Antarctica, per NASA.

Here’s what you need to know about the eclipse coming up later this year and how you can watch it.

From 2021:‘Ring of fire’ solar eclipse arrives; northeastern US sees a partial eclipse

What is an annular solar eclipse? Why it’s called the ‘ring of fire’

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in between the sun and the Earth while at its farthest point from Earth.

“Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely cover the star. This creates a ‘ring of fire’ effect in the sky,” according to NASA.

Different phases occur during an annular solar eclipse. It begins at the partial eclipse phase, which is when a partial eclipse is created due to the moon beginning to move in front of the sun.

“The moon will slowly block more and more of the sun’s light, making the sun appear as a smaller and smaller crescent before it forms a ‘C’ shape. This phase is also known as first contact,” NASA states.

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Following the partial eclipse is the annularity phase, which is when the moon completely passes in front of the sun, which leaves a “ring” of the sun available behind the moon. This will occur around an hour and 20 minutes after the partial eclipse phase starts.

According to NASA, annularity will last between 1 and 5 minutes depending on where you are located.

“During the eclipse, the sky will grow dimmer, though not as dark as during a total solar eclipse. Some animals may begin to behave as if it is dusk and the air may feel cooler,” NASA’s website said.

Following the annularity phase, where the moon will pass across the sun’s face for the next hour and 20 minutes, once again creating a partial eclipse phase. The eclipse will end after the moon completely passes past the sun.