Solar and Lunar Eclipses Set to Occur in October 2023
Eclipses are always fascinating astronomical events that capture the attention of people around the world. These celestial occurrences, where one celestial body appears to hide another while moving along its transit path, continue to spark curiosity and become a popular topic of discussion. While identifying all the different types of eclipses without in-depth knowledge of astronomy and advanced equipment may be challenging, solar and lunar eclipses are the most commonly observed from Earth.
The astrological significance of solar and lunar eclipses also adds to their allure. While two to five solar eclipses can occur in a year, each one is unique and unlike any other.
On October 14, 2023, two eclipses will grace the sky. The first one, a solar eclipse known as the “Ring of Fire,” will take place on this day. However, it will only be visible in the western hemisphere and cannot be seen from India. Spectators in certain parts of North America, including the western regions of the United States and select areas in the Pacific Ocean, will have the opportunity to witness this rare event.
The solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, is scheduled to begin at 08:34 pm (IST) and conclude at 02:25 am (IST). As it cannot be observed from India, there will be no Sutak period in effect in the country. The eclipse gets its poetic name from the breathtaking sight it presents during its peak, resembling a fiery ring.
Interestingly, a similar annular solar eclipse occurred in the United States approximately 11 years ago on May 20, 2012. This time, the path of the solar eclipse will traverse eight states, stretching from Oregon to Texas. When an annular solar eclipse unfolds, the moon appears slightly smaller than the sun. As the moon passes across the sun, it creates the mesmerizing illusion of a ring of fire.
The solar eclipse on October 14, 2023, will offer different spectacles depending on the region from which it is viewed. It will commence at 09:13 am (PDT) in Oregon and culminate at 12:03 pm (CDT) in Texas. The eclipse’s path will traverse Oregon, northern California, northeastern Nevada, central Utah, northeastern Arizona, southwestern Colorado, central New Mexico, and southern Texas. Eventually, it will extend over the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil.
At its peak, the ring of fire will only be visible from off the coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, lasting for an impressive 5 minutes and 17 seconds. This rare astronomical phenomenon is a sight that should not be missed and is sure to captivate those lucky enough to experience it firsthand.