Solar Eclipse 2024: On October 2nd of this year, skywatchers will witness an annular solar eclipse, where the moon casts a shadow that doesn’t quite reach Earth, leaving a “ring of fire” visible along a specific path.
This path travels a massive distance, over 8,800 miles (14,163 kilometers), across the vast expanse of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. While most of the spectacle unfolds over water, there are a few lucky land locations where the “ring of fire” effect will be observable.
Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is one such spot. Here the Annular Solar Eclipse 2024 will be visible for over six minutes at Orongo, the island’s southernmost point, and nearly six minutes at Ana o Heu, the northernmost tip.
South America also gets a glimpse of the action, with the path crossing over parts of Chile and Argentina. Ideal locations in Chile include Carretera Austral, a scenic route in Patagonia’s Aisén region, and the town of Cochrane. Chile Chico, located just outside the northern edge of the path, is another option.
For skywatchers in Argentina, Perito Moreno National Park, Santa Cruz Province, and the Atlantic coast towns of Puerto Deseado and Puerto San Julián offer prime viewing spots.