An annular solar eclipse will be visible across parts of North, South and Central America on Saturday, Oct. 14. The eclipse will begin in the Pacific Northwest, pass over Texas and end over South America.

A portion of Texas will be in the path of the annular solar eclipse, including Midland, Odessa, San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

This annular solar eclipse is different from the total solar eclipse that will occur in 2024. In a total solar eclipse, the sun is completely obscurated – or concealed - by the moon as the moon passes between the sun and the Earth.

In an annular solar eclipse, the sun is about 90 percent obscurated by the moon, leaving a bright ring around the moon known as the, “ring of fire.” This feature will be visible to those in the path of the annular solar eclipse on Saturday. Interestingly, annular comes from the Latin word for ring.

Annular eclipses only occur when Earth’s Moon is in its new moon phase and when the moon is at apogee, the furthest point from Earth.

Viewing Times

All Texans will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse on Oct. 14.

However, only those in the path of the annular solar eclipse will also have start and end times for the annular eclipse, where the ring of fire will be visible. 

While the annular eclipse will result in reduced solar generation for a period of time on Saturday, ERCOT says grid conditions are expected to be normal.

Safe Viewing Tips

If you plan on viewing the solar eclipse, you must wear eclipse glasses and not regular sunglasses. You can find information on where to get safe eclipse glasses here. Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially blocked by the moon, can damage your eyes.

If you can’t get your hands on some eclipse glasses, you can make a pinhole projector out of a few simple materials. Instructions can be found here.

Weather Forecast

Cloud cover is the main weather variable that can affect eclipse viewing. Thankfully, skies look to be clear or mostly clear across Texas on Saturday when the eclipse occurs.

Total Eclipse in 2024

Mark your calendars for a total solar eclipse that will occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.

This total eclipse will once again pass over Texas. The path of totality, or path where the sun will be completely blocked by the moon, will include Austin, Waco, Tyler, Dallas and Fort Worth.