If you're craving the next solar eclipse following the big total that was seen earlier this year, there's an annular solar eclipse visible on October 2, 2024 that will strike Easter Island, Chile and Argentina.
However, all of South America and much of Antarctica will see a partial solar eclipse on this date.
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's set to experience another dramatic solar eclipse, this time an annular solar eclipse or 'ring of fire.' It will be its last for 300 years.
Witnessing a 'ring of fire' hanging above the Easter Island's moai is arguably the main attraction of this eclipse, but it's also going to be visible from across the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina.
If you're heading to Chile, read our pick of Chile's best stargazing sites and astrotourism destinations.
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 will be 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.
Weather for the October 2 eclipse
The likelihood of clear skies is highest on the Argentinean coast, though Easter Island will likely have only patchy cloud, according to eclipse climatologist Jay Anderson on Eclipsophile.
Either way, this is an exclusive eclipse, with a roughly 165-mile (266-kilometre) wide path of annularity crossing just 175,000 people, according to Timeanddate, which also provides an excellent map.
Although the 'ring of fire' will only be seen from Easter Island, Chile and Argentina, all of South America and much of Antarctica will see a partial solar eclipse.
The Falkland Islands will see 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 the 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 need 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 an annular solar eclipse in October 2024 will be 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
Not going to be in Easter Island or South America? It will be possible to watch the October 2, 2024 eclipse online from anywhere worldwide.
Timeanddate.com is hosting a livestream on YouTube, and you can expect livestreams on NASA TV and from San Francisco science museum Exploratorium.
Here's Timeanddate's livestream:
When is the next solar eclipse?
The following 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.
Are you travelling to see the eclipse? Or are you hosting an eclipse event? Let us know by emailing contactus@skyatnightmagazine.com.
