2024 Annular Solar Eclipse: A Complete Guide To The Upcoming Solar Eclipse

On October 2, 2024, an annular solar eclipse will traverse parts of the Pacific Ocean, as well as southern Chile and southern Argentina.

During an annular solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun while being slightly farther from Earth than it is during a total solar eclipse. As a result, it doesn’t completely obscure the sun’s disk, leaving a distinct ring of light surrounding the moon. This phenomenon is often referred to as a “ring of fire” solar eclipse. At the point of greatest eclipse over the Pacific, the moon will cover 93% of the sun’s center, creating a “ring of fire” that will be visible for 7 minutes and 25 seconds.

To keep up with all the solar eclipse action, check our live blog. We will also stream the eclipse live on Space.com, courtesy of TimeandDate.

Important Note: It is NEVER safe to look directly at the sun without proper solar eclipse glasses designed for solar viewing. For safe viewing tips, refer to our guide.

Are you ready to chase the eclipse? Here’s everything you need to know about the annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024, in Chile and Argentina.

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

The upcoming eclipse will closely resemble the annular solar eclipse that occurred on October 14, 2023, visible across the U.S. Southwest, Central America, and South America. Solar eclipses occur when a new moon aligns perfectly between Earth and the sun, casting its shadow on Earth. However, in an annular solar eclipse, the moon is positioned slightly farther from Earth, meaning its shadow does not completely block the sun’s light. Instead, a ring of sunlight is visible around the moon.

The eclipse on October 2, 2024, will have an eclipse magnitude of 0.9326, indicating that about 93% of the sun will be obscured by the moon, resulting in an “annulus” (Latin for “ring”). The moon will appear 6.4% smaller than average, according to MoonBlink.

Observers located closer to the centerline will see a more circular ring of fire, which will last longer. Eclipse chasers often prefer to observe from the edge of the path during an annular solar eclipse to catch extended views of Baily’s beads, which appear as the moon’s limb seems to touch the sun and can be visible for several minutes.

Where Can I See the Eclipse?

The ring of fire will only be visible within a path of annularity that crosses the Pacific Ocean and parts of southern Chile and Argentina.

Notably, this path includes the volcanic island of Rapa Nui/Easter Island, renowned for its iconic stone statues, known as moai, some reaching 40 feet (12 meters) tall and weighing 75 tons. Located 2,300 miles (3,700 km) from the Chilean coast, Rapa Nui is the most isolated inhabited landmass on Earth. Remarkably, this will be the second time a central solar eclipse has been visible from this tiny Pacific island in recent decades, following a total solar eclipse observed there on July 11, 2010. The next total and annular eclipses visible from the island will occur in 2324 and 2345, respectively.

For the best viewing experience, consider positioning yourself slightly south of a moai at multiple sites to see the ring of fire just above one of the statues, as recommended by the Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. Iconic locations include the platform at Ahu Tongariki, featuring 15 moai on a 200-foot-long (60 m) ceremonial platform, as well as nearby Rano Raraku.

The ring of fire will also be visible from southern Patagonia in both Chile and Argentina, with the path ranging from 165 to 206 miles (265 to 331 km) wide.

Best Locations to See the Eclipse

Here are some prime locations where eclipse chasers will gather for the annular solar eclipse:

Rapa Nui/Easter Island, Chile (5 minutes, 38 seconds to 6 minutes, 12 seconds of annularity starting at 14:03 EAST, 67 degrees above North)
Cochrane, Chile (5 minutes, 40 seconds of annularity starting at 17:21 CLST, 26 degrees above NNW)
Perito Moreno National Park, Argentina (6 minutes, 17 seconds of annularity starting at 17:21 ART, 25 degrees above NNW)
Puerto Deseado, Argentina (3 minutes, 22 seconds of annularity starting at 17:27 ART, 20 degrees above NNW)
Puerto San Julian, Argentina (5 minutes, 12 seconds of annularity starting at 17:24 ART, 21 degrees above NNW)

Organized eclipse-viewing tours will be available through experienced operators like Sky & Telescope, TravelQuest, and AstroTrails, all heading to Rapa Nui/Easter Island.

What Will the Weather Be Like?

When planning to view a solar eclipse, it’s always best to choose a destination that interests you beyond the event itself. For October 2, the likelihood of clear skies is relatively low. Predictions indicate cloud cover chances of 75% for Rapa Nui/Easter Island, 90% for Perito Moreno National Park, and 65% to 70% for areas along Argentina’s Atlantic coast, according to Time and Date.

On Rapa Nui/Easter Island, the cooling effect of the land may help dissipate convective clouds, according to Eclipsophile, with the south coast statistically favored. The probability of seeing the ring of fire is lowest along Chile’s Pacific Coast and highest along Argentina’s Atlantic coast. While the latter may have less visually appealing scenery, the eclipse will be particularly dramatic because it will occur lower in the sky.

Why is the October 2, 2024, Annular Solar Eclipse Special?

The October 2, 2024, annular solar eclipse is notable for three distinct reasons. First, it follows the Great North American Eclipse of April 8, which is likely to heighten interest in solar eclipses, drawing many eclipse chasers to the event.

Second, this will be a long eclipse, with the ring of fire lasting up to 7 minutes and 25 seconds—significantly longer than the 4 minutes and 52 seconds possible during the last annular solar eclipse on October 14, 2023.

Third, the prime viewing location for this event is a truly iconic destination: Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island.

Where to See the Partial Solar Eclipse on October 2

While the ring of fire will only be visible from specific areas in Chile and Argentina, a partial solar eclipse will occur in other locations. These areas include parts of the Pacific Ocean and the southern half of South America. Here’s what percentage of the eclipse will be visible from major cities and destinations in the partial-eclipse zone: