A ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse will dazzle people and penguins in Antarctica
NEW YORK– The first solar eclipse of the year will take place in Antarctica, and only a lucky few will be able to bask – or waddle – in its glow.
Tuesday’s annular solar eclipse, known as the “ring of fire,” will only be visible on the southernmost continent, which is home to research stations and diverse wildlife.
“The penguins there are going to put on a great show,” said astronomer Joe Llama of the Lowell Observatory.
If skies are clear, more people can see a partial eclipse with small bursts of sunlight from the tips of Chile and Argentina and parts of southeastern Africa, including Madagascar, Lesotho and South Africa.
Solar eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon and Earth align exactly. The Moon casts a shadow that can partially or completely block sunlight coming from Earth.
It’s “this beautiful coincidence between the size and distance of the Moon and the Sun,” said astrophysicist Emily Rice of the City University of New York.
During an annular or ring-shaped eclipse, the Moon is simply further from Earth in its orbit, so it does not completely cover the Sun. Only a thin ribbon remains visible.
“The sun basically loses its core,” Llama said.
Solar eclipses occur several times a year, but are only visible from locations in the path of the moon’s shadow. Two partial eclipses occurred last year, and the last total solar eclipse swept across North America in 2024.
Looking directly at the sun is dangerous even when most of it is covered, so be sure to take eclipse glasses. They block ultraviolet light from the sun and almost all visible light. Sunglasses and binoculars do not provide enough protection.
Eclipse glasses should indicate that they comply with ISO 12312-2 standards, although fake suppliers may also indicate this on their products.
There are also ways to indirectly benefit from solar eclipses. Make a pinhole projector using household materials or hold a colander or cheese grater up to the sky and look down to see images of the eclipse projected onto the ground.
A total solar eclipse is forecast in August for skywatchers in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and part of Portugal. Entire parts of Europe, Africa and North America will be victims of a partial eclipse.
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