On October 2, 2024, an annular solar eclipse was visible over South America: specifically Easter Island, Chile and Argentina.
All of South America and much of Antarctica was able to see a partial solar eclipse on this date, with the full annular eclipse visible only in specific regions.
The moon's shadow on Earth can only ever be a few hundred miles wide, but just occasionally, it passes over the same spots on Earth with surprising regularity.
That's certainly the case for Easter Island, a remote island of just 63 square miles (163 square kilometres) stuffed with ancient and mysterious monuments.
Easter Island saw a total solar eclipse on July 11, 2010.
Just over 14 years later, it experienced another dramatic solar eclipse, this time an annular solar eclipse or 'ring of fire.' It was its last for 300 years.
Witnessing a 'ring of fire' hanging above the Easter Island's moai was arguably the main attraction of this eclipse, but it was also visible from across the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina.
Below are some of the best images of the October 2, 2024 annular solar eclipse we've seen so far.
If you witnessed or photographed the eclipse, please send us you images and memories by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com
October 2024 solar eclipse explained
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon crosses in front of the Sun and its apparent size in the sky is not quite enough to cover the Sun’s disk.
On October 2, 2024 about 93% of the Sun was eclipsed by the Moon, causing a 'ring of fire' to be visible for a maximum of 7 minutes 25 seconds.
Unlike during the totality period of a total solar eclipse, the entirety of an annular solar eclipse must be viewed through solar eclipse glasses or solar telescopes.
On either side of annularity, it’s possible to see phenomena such as Baily's beads, the last and first drops of sunlight.
The closer you are to the edge of the path, the longer these beads last for (up to a few minutes at the extremes), but the shorter the duration of the 'ring of fire'.
So, eclipse-chasers must make a choice.
Where it was visible
This was an exclusive eclipse, with a roughly 165-mile (266-kilometre) wide path of annularity crossing just 175,000 people, according to Timeanddate, which also provided an excellent map.
Although the 'ring of fire' was only seen from Easter Island, Chile and Argentina, all of South America and much of Antarctica saw a partial solar eclipse.
The Falkland Islands saw an 84% partial solar eclipse, South Georgia Island 76%, Santiago in Chile 44%, Buenos Aires in Argentina 42% and Elephant Island in Antarctica 56%.
How to observe an annular solar eclipse safely
As with any form of observing the Sun, care must be taken as looking at the Sun with the naked eye can seriously damage your eyesight.
Never look directly at the Sun without eye protection in the form of eclipse glasses and solar filters.
None of the phases of an annular solar eclipse should be viewed with the naked eye.
Everyone observing the October 2 2024 eclipse will have been advised to wear eclipse glasses or use solar filters.
For more information, read the American Astronomical Association's guide on how to make sure your eclipse glasses are safe.
Sites where the annular solar eclipse in October 2024 was visible
- Orongo, Easter Island (6 min 28 sec, 14:03 EAST)
- Ahu Tongariki, Easter Island (5 min 50 sec, 14:04 EAST)
- Cochrane, Chile (5 min 40 sec, 17:21 CLST)
- Chile Chico, Chile (0 min 0 sec, 17:25 CLST) (for extended Baily's beads)
- Puerto Deseado, Argentina (3 min 22 sec, 17:27 ART)
- Puerto San Julián, Argentina (5 min 12 sec, 17:24 ART)
Watch the October annular solar eclipse online
If you missed the October 2 2024 annular solar eclipse, you can watch it back via this livestream hosted by Timeanddate.com.
When is the next solar eclipse?
The next annular solar eclipse will occur on 17 February 2026 in Antarctica and the next total solar eclipse on. 12 August 2026 across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain.
For more info, read our guide to find out when the next eclipse is happening.
