PUERTO SAN JULIAN, Argentina: Spectators in South America were treated to a stunning “ring of fire” solar eclipse, visible from Chile’s Easter Island before moving across mainland Patagonia.
The rare event occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, but the Moon is too far from Earth to completely cover the Sun, leaving a glowing ring in the sky. The phenomenon lasted about six minutes at its peak and caused a noticeable drop in brightness and temperature.
Eager observers, including tourists and astronomy enthusiasts, gathered on Easter Island, with its iconic moai statues providing a unique backdrop. In Patagonia, Argentina, people braved cold weather to witness the spectacle, with schools suspending classes for children to observe the event.
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The eclipse was also visible in parts of Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and other regions. Experts emphasized that special glasses or indirect viewing methods, such as pinhole projection, are necessary for safely observing such eclipses. The next solar eclipse is expected in March 2025, mainly visible from parts of North America, Europe, and Africa.
