Where to watch the annular eclipse in Florida: A guide to planetariums, observatories
It's less than a week before the Great American Eclipse, aka the "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse, graces our skies.
The Great American Eclipse is set for Saturday, Oct. 14, with many clubs and institutions holding events across the state for residents to catch a glimpse of the rare astronomical occasion.
Want to know more about the eclipse and where you can join others to view it? We have you covered with what to know.
What to know on 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse: Great American Eclipse aka 'ring of fire' is in October. Will Florida see solar eclipse?
When is the Great American Eclipse 2023?
There are three notable solar eclipses viewable from the U.S. After the Great American Solar Eclipse back in August 2017, the Great American Eclipse follows on Oct. 14, 2023. The final eclipse, dubbed the Total Solar Eclipse, will follow on April 8, 2024.
What is an annular solar eclipse?
NASA explains: "An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while it is at 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 star."
Will 'ring of fire' Great American Eclipse be visible from Florida?
To see all phases of an annular eclipse, you must be within the path of annularity. According to a map on greatamericaneclipse.com, the path of annularity for the "ring of fire" eclipse covers parts of Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.
The ring of fire will not be visible from Florida − unless you watch it virtually from a livestream. However, the state of Florida will have a 50% to 60% chance of seeing a phase of the annular eclipse.
What time can I see the Great American Eclipse from Florida?
Florida will be able to see the partial solar eclipse Oct. 14, 2023, beginning at 10:38 a.m. CT/11:38 a.m. ET through 3:13 p.m. ET, according to timeanddate.com.
Here's some events around the state to view the eclipse:
Here's where to watch the Great American Eclipse in the Panhandle, North Florida
Annular Solar Eclipse Watch Party - Pensacola State College's Escambia Amateur Astronomers Club, Pensacola
Partial Solar Eclipse - Tallahassee Astronomical Society, Tallahassee
Planetarium: Eclipse - Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, Gainesville
Annular Solar Eclipse - Bay County Library, Panama City
Partial Solar Eclipse - Corinne Costin Gibson Memorial Public Library, Port St. Joe
Here's where to watch the Great American Eclipse in Central Florida
Annular Solar Eclipse Watch Party - Orlando Science Party, Orlando
Solar Eclipse Watch Party - Pasco-Hernando State College, Port Richey
Partial Solar Eclipse - Suncoast Stargazers, Inc., Bradenton
Here's where to watch the Great American Eclipse in South Florida
The HollyWEIRD "New Moon/Annular Solar Eclipse" ride - Hollywood Public Library, Hollywood
Solar Eclipse Celebration - Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Miami
Solar Eclipse Paddle - Sunrise Paddles, Fort Lauderdale
11:30 a.m. free partial eclipse viewing - Indian River State College's Treasure Coast Astronomical Society, IRSC Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce
Partial Eclipse viewing - Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, Fort Myers
Don't forget your glasses for the Great American Eclipse
Experts warn people should not look up directly at the sun to avoid blindness or damage to the eyes.
Where to grab glasses or make some: No solar eclipse glasses? For 'ring of fire' in October, try a cracker or slotted spoon
Make sure to protect your eyes by wearing proper eye protection when viewing an annular eclipse. Never look directly at the sun. And, good news! Some Florida libraries are giving away glasses to library card holders.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: 'Ring of Fire' Eclipse 2023: Here's where, when to watch it in Florida
