Solar Eclipse 2023: Dos and Don'ts to follow for 'Ring of Fire' viewing

Representative Image of Annular Solar Eclipse/ Pixabay

A celestial event that never fails to captivate the hearts and minds of skywatchers is the annular solar eclipse. This extraordinary occurrence takes place when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun but does not obscure the Sun entirely, creating a striking "ring of fire" effect. On October 14, 2023, the world will witness the annular solar eclipse.

What is an Annular Solar eclipse?

The term "annular" is derived from the Latin word "annulus," which means "ring." During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon covers most of the Sun, leaving only a ring-like halo of sunlight, creating a visual spectacle that is truly awe-inspiring. This happens because the Moon's orbit is elliptical, and its distance from Earth varies. When the Moon is farther from Earth, it appears smaller, and during its journey across the Sun, it does not completely block out the solar disc, forming the characteristic "ring of fire."

Annular solar eclipses are relatively infrequent compared to their total solar eclipse counterparts. While total solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth approximately every 18 months, annular eclipses are rarer. This rarity adds to their appeal and makes them highly anticipated events for astronomers and amateur stargazers alike.

Astronomers can use annular eclipses to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, which is usually obscured by the Sun's intense brightness. During an annular eclipse, the corona becomes visible as a shimmering crown around the darkened Moon, allowing researchers to better understand the Sun's magnetic fields and activity.

While observing the eclipse, here are certain dos and don'ts one must follow:

Dos for Annular Solar Eclipse:

Use Proper Eye Protection: Do wear certified solar viewing glasses or use solar filters when looking at the eclipse to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

Plan Ahead: Do plan your eclipse viewing in advance, taking into consideration the eclipse's timing, location, and duration in your area.

Use Telescopes and Binoculars Safely: If you plan to use telescopes or binoculars, ensure they are equipped with appropriate solar filters to prevent eye damage.

Capture the Moment: If you want to take photos, do use a solar filter on your camera or smartphone to safely capture the eclipse.

Don'ts for the upcoming Annular Solar Eclipse:

Don't Stare Directly at the Sun: Never look directly at the sun without proper eye protection, as this can cause permanent eye damage.

Don't Use Unverified Filters: Avoid using homemade or unverified filters for your eyes or optical equipment, as they may not provide sufficient protection.

Don't Use Regular Sunglasses: Regular sunglasses do not provide adequate protection for viewing the sun during an eclipse.

Don't Watch Through Optical Devices Without Filters: Do not look through optical devices like telescopes or binoculars without the proper solar filters, as this can damage both your eyes and the equipment.