While we know about the total solar eclipse next April, did you know that an annular solar eclipse will happen this Saturday? Meteorologist Conner Prince explains the science and what we can expect!
The once-in-a-lifetime April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse is on everyone’s mind right now, but west-central Ohio will receive an astronomical appetizer this Saturday! This Saturday, October 14th, Lima and west central Ohio will experience an annular solar eclipse. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon partially covers the sun from Earth. As this process happens, a portion of the sun becomes blocked out and appears “Dark” from Earth. Since an annular solar eclipse only partially blocks out the sun, a portion of the outer edge of the sun is still visible and can sometimes appear as a bright ring occasionally deemed as the “Ring of Fire” effect.
Now, where will the maximum path of the eclipse track? The maximum path of the eclipse will track from west central Oregon southeastward through northeastern Nevada, the four corners, the heart of New Mexico, and through west and south Texas. While Lima is not located within this path of partial totality, about 50% of the sun will still be blocked.
When will the eclipse occur? The eclipse will begin around 11:43 a.m. Saturday morning, peaking at 50% total coverage about 1:04 p.m. Saturday afternoon, and conclude around 2:28 p.m. Saturday afternoon for a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Of course, the million-dollar question is whether clouds will present viewing obstructions, and the forecast is not looking promising. Our numerical computer weather models are indicating a very strong likelihood of widespread clouds, potentially a near 100% cloud cover in spots, during the eclipse late Saturday morning into early Saturday afternoon. Should our area manage to see the eclipse, remember it is never safe to directly look into the sun despite part of it being covered.
Source: Hometown Stations
