Solar eclipse of October 14, 2023

2017 total solar eclipse, eclipse, sun, moon, skywatching, stargazing, amateur astronomy
During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely obscures the sun for parts of the Earth. Careful calculations help researchers and the public determine where to go to see the total blackout. (Image credit: Miloslav Druckmüller, Peter Aniol, Martin Dietzel, Vojtech Rusin via NASA)

On Oct. 14, 2023, the United States will be treated to a rare celestial performance: a 'ring of fire' solar eclipse, where sky-watchers across North, Central and South America will see a partial solar eclipse lasting about three hours.

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Photos of an annular total solar eclipse (left) and a total solar eclipse (right). Note that the annular eclipse is shown with a dark background, as it is only safe to view with protection – you can see how a small portion of the Sun is still visible as the ring around the Moon. On the right, you can see the Sun’s wispy corona, visible only during totality itself, when the Moon completely – or totally - hides the Sun from view.

NASA will fire 3 rockets directly at the solar eclipse on Saturday. Here's why.

By Brandon Specktor published

NASA researchers plan to launch three rockets carrying scientific instruments toward the moon's shadow on Oct. 14, to study changes in the atmosphere brought about by the annular solar eclipse.

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Bright red and yellow colors of the annular solar eclipse occurs on January 15, 2010 in Qingdao, Shandong Province of China.

Exactly where and when to see the 'ring of fire' solar eclipse this weekend

By Jamie Carter published

A partial solar eclipse will be visible across most of the Americas on Oct. 14, with a rare 'ring of fire' annular eclipse visible in nine states.

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Solar eclipse glasses are NOT the same as sunglasses.

Where to buy solar eclipse glasses before the Oct. 14 'ring of fire' eclipse

By Brandon Specktor published

It's not too late to buy safe, high-quality eclipse glasses before the Oct. 14 annular solar eclipse in North America. Just make sure you're buying from an approved vendor.

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A gold-tinted disco ball reflecting light onto a gold ceiling

Astronomers want you to watch the Oct. 14 'ring of fire' eclipse with a disco ball. No, seriously.

By Brandon Specktor published

You can't stare at the sun, so how do you watch an eclipse? By reflecting it off of a disco ball, a team of astronomers suggests.

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A 'ring of fire' eclipse hangs orange over the silhouettes of desert cactuses

What is a solar eclipse?

By Jeanna Bryner last updated

Solar eclipses are some of nature's most dramatic celestial performances. Here's a look at the science behind the eclipse, and when to watch the next one.

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Eclipse Viewer Images

How to make a solar eclipse viewer to safely watch the 'ring of fire' eclipse on Oct. 14

By Mindy Weisberger last updated

Don't have a pair of eclipse glasses to view the Oct. 14 'ring of fire' eclipse? No sweat; you can make a safe and simple DIY eclipse viewer with a box, some tinfoil, and a few household craft supplies.

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A bright orange sunset sky shows the 2012 annular eclipse with the shadow of a windmill.

'Ring of fire' solar eclipse 2023: How to watch in-person (and virtually)

By Jamie Carter published

On Oct. 14, an epic 'ring of fire' annular solar eclipse will swoop across North America, providing once-in-a-lifetime views for several states. Here’s how to watch, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse image with the sun's corona glowing behind like wispy smoke

Photographers capture the exact moment a gargantuan storm blasts out of the sun during a total solar eclipse

By Harry Baker published

A stunning composite image of the sun during a recent 'hybrid eclipse' in Australia is further proof that solar activity is ramping up.

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A "diamond ring" heralded the beginning of totality.

I watched the moon 'take a bite of the sun' in a rare hybrid solar eclipse last week. Here's what I saw from Australia.

By Jamie Carter published

From my viewpoint in the Exmouth Gulf of Western Australia, the solar eclipse's totality brought a colossal corona and a dramatic drifting diamond ring.

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A satellite view of a partial solar eclipse seen on Oct. 25, 2022.

A very rare 'hybrid' solar eclipse will take place Thursday, here's how to watch

By Ben Turner published

A rare hybrid solar eclipse will appear over Oceania and Southeast Asia on Thursday, April 20. Here's what it means and how to watch it.

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