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On Saturday, October 14, the moon will pass between Earth and the sun, creating a stunning solar eclipse.
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The eclipse will be an annular "ring of fire" type, visible mainly in the Western United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
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The eclipse path traverses the Navajo Nation and lands of Indigenous people, where it holds cultural significance.
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Unlike a total eclipse, an annular eclipse leaves a ring of sunlight around the moon due to its farther orbit.
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Only 12 more annular eclipses in the next decade, making this a rare celestial event to witness.
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The eclipse can be seen in parts of Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Arizona.
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It starts at 9:13 am Pacific Time in Oregon and ends in Texas at 12:03 pm Central Time.
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If unable to view in person, NASA offers live broadcasts for a front-row seat to the celestial spectacle.
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Solar eclipses happen when the moon, in its new moon phase, crosses Earth's orbit.
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The moon's tilted orbit causes the shadow to miss Earth most times, only aligning at certain nodes.
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For safety, never look directly at the sun during an eclipse; use proper filters or projection methods.
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If you miss this eclipse, there's another total eclipse in 2024, visible in the Eastern United States.
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On October 14, other celestial events include Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury in the night sky.
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The constellations and stars in the night sky change as the evening progresses, offering a variety of celestial sights.
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Whether you're watching the eclipse or stargazing, remember to use safe viewing methods and enjoy the wonders of the cosmos.