How ‘ring of fire’ annular solar eclipse brought spectacular show to the Americas

Solar
The moon obscures the sun as people gather across the Americas to watch the annular solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023

Thousands gathered across the Americas to see the rare annular “ring of fire” solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

An annular solar eclipse is when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth while at its farthest point from the Earth, according to NASA.

It creates a “ring of fire” effect because the Moon doesn’t completely cover the Sun (like in a total eclipse) and instead leaves a bright border.

The solar eclipse lasted between two to three hours at any given spot, with the ring of fire portion lasting a few minutes depending on the location.

Those gathered to see the eclipse needed special eye protection to safely watch it.

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It crossed the western United States, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil. Much of the rest of the Western Hemisphere got a partial eclipse.

Here is a look at the best photos of the rare solar eclipse.

The moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare "ring of fire" eclipse of the sun Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, US.
The moon passes between earth and the sun during a rare ‘ring of fire’ eclipse of the sun Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, US.AP Photo/Rick Bowmer
Samia Harboe, her son Logan and her friend's son wear eclipse glasses during totality of the annular solar eclipse in Eugene, Oregon, US on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
Samia Harboe, her son Logan and her friend’s son wear eclipse glasses during totality of the annular solar eclipse in Eugene, Oregon, US on Saturday, October 14, 2023. AP Photo/Claire Rush
A bee flies near a flower during a solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Austin, Texas, US.
A bee flies near a flower during a solar eclipse on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Austin, Texas, US.AP Photo/Ashley Landis
People watch a "ring of fire" solar eclipse in Tatacoa Desert, Colombia, Saturday, October 14, 202
People watch a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse in Tatacoa Desert, Colombia, Saturday, October 14, 202Ivan Valencia/AP Photo
The "Ring of Fire" effect caused during the annular solar eclipse is seen from Penonome, Panama.
The ‘ring of fire’ effect caused during the annular solar eclipse is seen from Penonome, Panama.Luis Acosta / AFP
Viewers use special glasses to watch from San Antonio, as the moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire.
Viewers use special glasses to watch from San Antonio, as the moon moves in front of the sun during an annular solar eclipse, or ring of fire.Eric Gay/AP Photo
The annular solar eclipse appears from behind clouds above Skinner Butte in Eugene, Oregon, US, Saturday, October 14, 2023.
The annular solar eclipse appears from behind clouds above Skinner Butte in Eugene, Oregon, US, Saturday, October 14, 2023.Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard via AP
An annular solar eclipse seen from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia.
An annular solar eclipse seen from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia.Ivan Valencia/AP Photo
A "ring of fire" solar eclipse is seen from Tatacoa Desert, Colombia
A ‘rng of fire’ solar eclipse is seen from Tatacoa Desert, ColombiaIvan Valencia/AP Photo
People watch the "ring of fire" solar eclipse at a blocked street by protestors in Guatemala City.
People watch the ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse at a blocked street by protestors in Guatemala City.Moises Castillo/AP Photo

The next ring of fire eclipse will be in October 2024 at the southernmost tip of South America. Antarctica will see one in 2026. The next ring of fire visible in the US will not be until 2039, with Alaska the only state in its direct path.

Additional reports from Euronews with AP, AFP