10/12/23

This Saturday an annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central, and South America and will be visible as it crosses the sky from Oregon to Texas. If you don't catch it this year, you will have to wait for the next one in October 2041.

An annular solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, but when it is at, or near, its farthest point from Earth. Because the Moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the Sun and does not completely cover the Sun. As a result, the Moon appears as a dark disk on top of a larger, bright disk, creating what looks like a ring around the Moon.

The Prescott Astronomy Club is holding an eclipse viewing party Saturday at the scenic overlook on Pioneer Parkway East. You must access the overlook from Williamson Valley Road. The eclipse begins at 8 a.m.