How and where to watch the Annular Solar Eclipse on October 2

On Wednesday, October 2, a beautiful and rare astronomical phenomenon will occur: an annular solar eclipse, also known as a "ring of fire." Here, Time Out tells you everything you need to know to enjoy it safely, without risking your eyesight.

What is an annular solar eclipse?

The first thing to know is that the only place in the world (yes, the world) where the phenomenon can be seen in its full splendor is in the province of Santa Cruz, particularly in the stunning Patagonia Park region. The farther you are from this location, the less clear the view will be.

Time Out spoke with Mariano Ribas, coordinator of the Science Outreach Department at the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, who explained that an annular solar eclipse is "a major natural phenomenon where the moon comes between the Earth and the sun. Unlike a total eclipse, the moon's black disk doesn’t completely cover the sun, leaving a ring of light around the moon, hence the term 'annular'."

Ribas points out that in Buenos Aires, "the sky will darken a bit, but it will be barely noticeable unless you're focused on the phenomenon.” In other words, it won’t turn into night.

He also explains that the term "ring of fire" is folkloric, dating back to ancient times. It’s a metaphor that experts tend to avoid because the sun isn’t made of fire. What you see during an annular eclipse is a ring of light. "The sun is a sphere of plasma, of very hot gas, not fire. Fire is a result of combustion. In the sun, nothing is burning; it’s a huge ball of gas with a core burning at millions of degrees and a surface temperature of 6000 degrees, emitting light and heat," he explains.

Santa Cruz: The only place on Earth where the Annular Solar Eclipse will be fully visible

As mentioned, the only place on the planet (amazing, right?) where this phenomenon will be completely visible is in the northern part of the province of Santa Cruz. Elsewhere in Argentina, it will be partially visible, and the farther you are from Santa Cruz, the less you’ll see. In fact, in Río Gallegos, a city in the southern part of the province, the eclipse will only be 88% visible. In Buenos Aires, 53%, and in Salta, for example, 32%.

"In Río Gallegos, the annular solar eclipse will be 88% visible. In Buenos Aires, 53%, and in Salta, 32%"

The full eclipse will be visible in a 250-kilometer-wide strip that includes a small part of Chile, though in a remote, insular area south of the Andes and in the Pacific Ocean. However, it will be fully visible in the Santa Cruz towns of Puerto San Julián, Puerto Deseado, Los Antiguos, and Perito Moreno. This is a sparsely populated area, so if you’re interested in traveling there, we recommend planning ahead as accommodations are limited.

What is astronomical tourism?

Tourists will flock to the area to witness the eclipse, a phenomenon known as astronomical tourism. Visitors will even come from Japan, as the eclipse has been known to occur ten years in advance. Scientists and astrophotographers will also arrive.

"Eclipse watchers will travel from Japan, as it’s known ten years in advance"

Ribas explains that solar eclipses occur every year in specific geographic locations, sometimes in inaccessible places like the ocean or the Arctic. There hasn’t been one in Buenos Aires in the past century. The last annular eclipse in the country was in February 2017, in Chubut. Then there were two total eclipses in 2019 in central Argentina and in 2020 in Río Negro and Neuquén. If you're really into eclipses, there will be a total one in Egypt in 2027, which promises to be spectacular. When eclipses occur in populated areas, they cause a sensation, as happened in Mexico and the U.S. on April 8 of this year, known as "the Great American Eclipse."

Where to watch the annular solar eclipse on October 2

For us, the best place to watch the annular eclipse on October 2 is the beautiful Patagonia National Park, located in the northwest of Santa Cruz. The park offers natural attractions, archaeological sites, and even a recently built astronomical observatory, which would be the ideal place to view the phenomenon.

Patagonia Park: How to get there, where to stay and more

The best way to reach Patagonia Park is by flying to Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut. From there, it's a 400-kilometer drive across the Patagonian steppe on National Route 3, which can be done by renting a car (recommended for mobility) or taking a daily bus service.

The closest towns to Patagonia Park for accommodation are Perito Moreno, Lago Posadas, and Los Antiguos. We had the chance to explore the area and recommend the following places as they are well-located and reasonably priced.

• In Perito Moreno, Kelman and Americano hotels.
• In Los Antiguos, Hotel Mora.
• In Lago Posadas, we recommend the beautiful Río Tarde Inn.
• If you enjoy camping, Patagonia Park has two campsites at La Ascensión and Cañadón Pinturas gateways.

Recommendations for watching the annular solar eclipse

Don’t even think about looking at the eclipse without proper protection, wherever you are. Ribas recommends using specific eclipse glasses, which have a special dark material. If you're really into it, you can use telescopes with filters.

Do not under any circumstances look at it without protection, as it can cause severe eye damage. Regular dark sunglasses won’t suffice. If you're improvising, the Planetarium specialist suggests using welding mask glass with a protection rating of 14. But hurry, because everyone buys them when an eclipse is approaching. "I’ve read numerous accident reports because the more promotion an eclipse gets, the more people look at it. Some might grab binoculars or a telescope, which can cause perforation of the eyeball," Ribas warns.

The sun always damages your eyesight, Ribas clarifies; it’s not that the eclipse is harmful per se, but normally no one looks at the sun. The sun is what causes eye damage, not the eclipse. Another myth debunked!

One last important note: if it's cloudy that day, you won’t see anything. Regarding the October 2 eclipse in Santa Cruz, Ribas warns there’s a 50% chance of cloud cover since the area experiences significant instability, cloudiness, and wind. Like in life, nothing is guaranteed, but fortune favors the bold.