The Ring Of Fire Eclipse Will Scorch Texans This Saturday

At about 11:55 this Saturday, Texans will see a fantastic solar event.

For a little under five minutes, the moon will pass in front of the sun but will not block the sun completely. The moon will darken most of the visible sunlight, leaving just a ring of light around it, thus the term "ring of fire" (Imagine a circle, covered by a slightly smaller circle, except the circle in the back is on fire).

This is very much, a "Texas/New Mexico Event". Only in Texas and New Mexico will the timing be right for the moon to cover the sun for the "ring of fire" with about 90% coverage. Persons seeing this event will see a much smaller percentage of the sun being covered up and off to the side, leaving a crescent shape. For instance, New Yorkers will only see about 25% of the sun being covered. Even as close by as Oklahoma, they'll only see 80% of one side covered.

Even with a 90% coverage, you should never look a the sun. Yes, it will be mostly blocked and it will appear like it will be okay, but it is not. Order yourself some proper equipment or protection now if you wish to check out this event (you can get a whole ten-pack for about $20 here, and you can get a photo filter for your smartphone here). You can also throw together a quick cardboard eclipse viewer if you don't order in time.

This event is the last of its kind until the year 2039.