The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has announced that Pakistan will not witness the last solar eclipse of 2024, which is set to occur on the night of October 2-3. This annular solar eclipse, also known as the “ring of fire” eclipse, will not be visible in Pakistan, disappointing many astronomy enthusiasts in the country.
Solar Eclipse 2024: Where Will It Be Visible?
According to the PMD, the solar eclipse will begin at 8:45 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). However, this celestial event will only be visible in regions across North and South America, as well as Antarctica. The “ring of fire” will primarily be observed over parts of southern Chile and Argentina, with some areas in South America, Antarctica, and nearby oceans also experiencing a partial eclipse.
In contrast to the April solar eclipse that had a much broader path of totality across the US, this annular eclipse will have a limited path. Approximately 175,000 people in southern Chile and Argentina will be able to view this spectacular event, where the moon will obscure most of the sun, leaving a glowing ring around the edges.
Is the Solar Eclipse Visible in Pakistan?
For those wondering, “Is today’s solar eclipse visible in Pakistan?”—the answer is no. The PMD has confirmed that residents of Pakistan will miss this celestial event. The solar eclipse 2024 in Pakistan will not be observable, as it is confined to specific areas in the western hemisphere.
What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is farther from the Earth in its orbit, making it appear smaller in the sky. As a result, the moon does not completely cover the sun, leaving a bright “ring of fire” visible around its edges. This differs from a total solar eclipse, where the entire sun is obscured.
Key locations for viewing this annular eclipse include Rapa Nui (Easter Island), southern Chile, and Argentina. In these areas, the “ring of fire” will last between three to six minutes.
Partial Eclipse to Accompany the Event
A partial solar eclipse will be visible around 85 minutes before and after the peak of the annular event. Locations such as Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Asunción will experience this partial eclipse.
Safety Precautions for Viewing the Solar Eclipse
It’s essential to remember that viewing an annular solar eclipse without proper protection can cause serious eye damage. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient for safe viewing. Instead, viewers should use certified solar eclipse glasses or create a pinhole projector to safely observe the event.
While Pakistan will miss out on the last solar eclipse of 2024, the celestial event remains an exciting opportunity for those in parts of the Americas and Antarctica. For those eagerly awaiting the next visible eclipse in Pakistan, patience is key as the next opportunity may arise in the future. Until then, it is vital to stay informed about global astronomical events through official sources like the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
 has announced that Pakistan will not witness the last solar eclipse of 2024, which is set to occur on the night of October 2-3. This annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire" eclipse, will not be visible in Pakistan, disappointing many astronomy enthusiasts in the country.){kind=link}