Annular Solar Eclipse Visible in Colombia

Colombia is preparing to witness an extraordinary astronomical event: an annular solar eclipse occurring on October 14, 2023. This phenomenon will be visible across the continent, but it’s essential to take precautions to protect the eyes from serious harm.

The major cities where the “ring of fire” will be fully visible include Cali, Neiva, Armenia, Palmira, Buenaventura, Cartago, and Tulua. It can also be observed in large parts of Valle del Cauca and Quindio, as well as parts of Risaralda, Huila, Tolima, and Choco.

This celestial event will begin at 11:48 in the morning, Colombian time. The moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, casting its shadow upon our planet. The peak moment will occur between 1:30 and 2:00 in the afternoon when Colombia will darken as if it were night, revealing the ring of fire in the sky. By 3:15 in the afternoon, the shadow will lift, and the eclipse will come to an end.

While solar eclipses are astounding natural phenomena, they can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Experts warn that looking directly at the sun during an eclipse can cause severe eye injuries. Therefore, it’s crucial to use certified eye protection, such as eclipse glasses, to observe the phenomenon safely.

Where will it be most visible?

Taking Cali, which falls within the total visibility path, as a reference, the eclipse will begin at 11:45 am and end around 3:13 pm. The “ring of fire,” the most spectacular moment of the eclipse, will be visible from 1:31 pm to 1:35 pm.

However, the eclipse will be visible across the country to varying degrees. The closer one is to the mentioned cities, the higher the percentage of the eclipse that can be observed.

In Bogota, the eclipse will start around 11:48 am, reach its maximum observation point at 1:36 pm, and conclude at 3:15 pm. In Medellin, it will be observable from 11:41 am to 3:09 pm, with the peak observation at 1:29 pm. Manizales, on the other hand, will experience the eclipse from 11:44 am to 3:12 pm, with the best observation at 1:31 pm. In Barranquilla and various cities on the Caribbean coast, the eclipse will be partially visible between 11:32 am and 2:59 pm. The peak of observation will be at 1:19 pm.

How long will the annular eclipse last?

The total duration of the annular solar eclipse in Colombia will be approximately 4 hours and 23 minutes, although this duration may vary depending on the geographical location. The annular phase, representing the best moment for eclipse observation, will last for about 38 minutes.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness an impressive astronomical event, but remember to protect your eyes properly to avoid serious damage during this annular solar eclipse on October 14.