Rare celestial events continue this month with a rare “ring of fire” solar eclipse at sunrise on June 10 in the eastern sky. Viewers of the eclipse may even see the rare solar phenomena of “devil horns” or “shark fin,” said CNET.
What is a ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse?
The ring of fire solar eclipse is also known as an annular eclipse, reported CBS News.
This occurs when the moon is at a further point in its elliptical orbit and passes between the Earth and the sun, said CBS News. Since the moon is farther away from the Earth, it appears smaller in the sky and cannot block all the light from the sun, leaving a glowing ring — a ring of fire.
- The path of an annular eclipse is called the line of annularity, said CNET.
This differs from a total solar eclipse when the moon passes between the sun and the earth at the exact distance to entirely block the sun’s light, said CBS News.
What are ‘devil horns’ and ‘shark fin’?
The June 10 eclipse will occur during or around sunrise, according to CNET. This allows for viewers near wide, flat areas — like those along the ocean — to see two other unique solar phenomena.
- The sun will appear to rise with two points or “devil horns” in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City, New York; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Sault Ste Marie, Michigan; Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Toronto, Ontario, reported CNET.
- The sun will appear to rise with one peak or “shark fin” in Boston, Massachusetts; Ottawa, Ontario; and Montreal, Quebec, said CNET.
These phenomena — both due to the eclipse occurring at sunrise — make the event even rarer, said Forbes.
- The eclipse will occur between 5:42 a.m. ET and 6:53 a.m. ET, said CBS News.
Where in the U.S. can you see the solar eclipse?
Unfortunately, the ring of fire eclipse has limited viewing worldwide and even more limited viewing from the U.S., reported Yahoo News.
- The eclipse will be fully visible from remote parts of Canada, Greenland, the Arctic Ocean and Siberia, said CBS News.
- The eclipse will be partially visible in the East Coast and in the northeast U.S. — anyone northeast of the line between Minnesota and Virginia, according to Forbes.
For those not in the northeast U.S. and feeling left out, another ring of fire eclipse will appear over the Western U.S. on Oct. 14, 2023, said CNET.
How can you safely watch the solar eclipse?
Special eclipse glasses are necessary to safely watch a solar eclipse. Otherwise, staring at the sun can cause serious eye damage, reported CBS News.
- The America Astronomical Society has an official guide on how to ensure eye safety while enjoying the beauty of an eclipse.