The October 2nd Annular Eclipse is the final eclipse event of 2024.  The path of annularity of this eclipse lies predominantly over the Pacific Ocean.  The annularity or “ring of fire” stage will be visible from the Hawaiian Islands, and the southern portions of Chile and Argentina.   Additionally, large portions of the southern half of South America and Antarctica can see at least a partial eclipse.

Viewers who make it to the path of angularity on the right date and at the right time will see about 91% of the sun obscured.   Accordingly, the sky will not darken significantly, and the stars and planets near the sun will not become visible as they do during a total eclipse.   Viewers near the center line of the path of annularity will experience about 7 minutes during which the moon’s disk will be entirely within the sun’s photosphere.  Before, after, and during the eclipse, at least some portions of the photosphere will remain visible.  Therefore, viewers must employ eye protection or use indirect methods of viewing the eclipse.