“Ring of Fire” Eclipse Solar Event Set to Dazzle Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin: Watch Safely

CHICAGO, IL — Residents across the contiguous 48 states are gearing up for a celestial spectacle on Saturday, October 14th, 2023: an annular solar eclipse. 

While residents of the Midwest won’t see the full “ring of fire” but can expect a notable partial eclipse, obscuring nearly 50% of the sun in areas of Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

The event kicks off at 10:33 AM, reaching its peak at 11:56 AM when 48.5% of the sun is veiled. By 1:24 PM, the display concludes.

Safety is paramount. 

Unlike total eclipses, annular events don’t entirely cloak the sun, making viewing without proper protection risky. Regular sunglasses won’t cut it. Instead, opt for solar glasses/viewers meeting the 12312-2 international standard. Alternatively, wield welding filters, but ensure they’re shade 12 or higher.

For those lacking the recommended eyewear, get crafty! Pinhole projectors or cardboard box setups can provide indirect, safe viewing methods.

For context, annular eclipses occur when the moon’s distance prevents it from fully obscuring the sun, leaving a fiery ring. Total eclipses, on the other hand, present a fully obscured sun when conditions align perfectly.

Keep those solar glasses handy! In April 2024, a total eclipse will streak across the nation. Central Illinoisans will witness over 90% coverage, reminiscent of the 2017 eclipse, while southern parts will bathe in totality.

Eclipse Kickoff: The Sun’s Duel with Georgia and Michigan in College Football’s Spotlight…

 

Source: countryherald.com

6 thoughts on ““Ring of Fire” Eclipse Solar Event Set to Dazzle Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin: Watch Safely”

  1. Has anyone realized that the trees give us a safe view of the eclipse? Look down while approaching a tree. The leaves actually cause multiple images of the eclipse on the ground. It’s like walking in glitter if there’s a slight breeze. What would normally be the shade of the tree is scattered with crescent moon 🌙 shapes. You’re walking on the eclipse! I think it’s caused by the small spaces between the leaves- creating a natural pinhole effect. I first discovered it in Berne, Indiana when Mom, Grandma, and I went out to eat without knowing there was going to be an eclipse back in the 1990’s. Have fun with this! Nature has its own Magick!

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    1. Oh, I almost forgot! Take care of pets during this time of strange light. They can get pretty upset that normal patterns are messed up. Calming music during the darkness helps, as does telling them about it beforehand.

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      1. From working with dogs for over 4 years and having one as a companion on and off during that time I couldn’t agree more with your statement about talking to them about any changes in routine or life beforehand.

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  2. Due to my particular blindness I wear shade 13 welding lenses every day and still experience such brightness that it causes pain on a constant basis. I’m actually pretty accustomed to tolerating serious eye pain all the time now. I share this because I laugh every time an eclipse requiring what are “special eyewear” for everyone else, I get to rent out my everyday glasses! I will never be able to watch an eclipse so I am thrilled that my specs can help others to enjoy this natural display of beauty :^)

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