TULUM, México – A rare and captivating astronomical event is on the horizon, and it promises to grace the skies of Mexico with its celestial beauty. In an occurrence that hasn’t been witnessed in over three decades, the country is set to experience not just one but two remarkable natural phenomena in quick succession. This time, the spotlight shines on the solar stage as a solar annular eclipse makes its grand entrance.
In July of 1991, Mexico last witnessed a total solar eclipse, and now, 32 years later, we have the privilege of not only observing an eclipse but also bearing witness to two unique celestial spectacles in a relatively short time span. This celestial show is bound to leave spectators in awe, as the eagerly anticipated solar annular eclipse will reveal itself in a staggering 90.5% of its totality, gracing the state of Quintana Roo.
According to the esteemed experts at NASA, the so-called “ring of fire” will be most prominently visible in select regions:
- Campeche: Reaching its zenith at 11:24 a.m.
- Chetumal: Reaching its zenith at 12:32 p.m.
- Maxcanú: Reaching its zenith at 11:24 a.m.
This solar annular eclipse, promising minutes of almost complete daytime darkness, will commence at 9:45 a.m. and conclude at 2:17 p.m. (local time in the Yucatán Peninsula). It will be observable in the following locations:
- Bacalar.
- Chetumal.
- Cozumel.
- Isla Mujeres.
- Maxcanú.
- Campeche.
- Archaeological ruins of Chichén Itzá.
- Archaeological ruins of Tulum.
- Archaeological ruins of Dzibanché.
- Archaeological ruins of Kohunlich.
- Archaeological ruins of Muyil.
- Arcadio Poveda Planetarium in Merida.
- Yook’ol Kaab Planetarium in Chetumal.
- Ka’yok’ Planetarium in Cancún.
- Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium in Cozumel.
- Sayab Planetarium in Playa del Carmen.
To safely view a solar eclipse, it is strongly recommended to use certified eclipse glasses that adequately filter out solar radiation. These special eyewear items will protect your eyes from the potentially harmful rays of the sun during the event. Never gaze directly at the sun without protection, as it can result in severe eye damage.
Should you wish to capture the beauty of the solar eclipse through photography or videography, specialized equipment is essential. Photographing a solar eclipse demands a solar filter appropriate for your camera, whether it’s a dedicated solar filter or a solar lens. These filters serve to safeguard both your camera and your eyes from solar radiation.
It’s paramount to prioritize safety when observing a solar eclipse. If you’re unsure about how to safely photograph the event, we recommend consulting experts or photographers well-versed in astrophotography for additional guidance. This celestial occurrence is a momentous opportunity, and ensuring your safety and enjoyment is of utmost importance.
As Quintana Roo takes center stage for this celestial spectacle, residents and visitors alike are in for a mesmerizing experience that will undoubtedly be etched in their memories for years to come. The cosmos unfolds its wonders, and all eyes will be on the skies over Mexico on the day of this spectacular event.
