Ring of fire eclipse: What time it starts today, how to watch [Video]

WASHINGTON — The next total solar eclipse may be a few years away from returning to the U.S., but a similar astronomical event is happening today. But unfortunately for most North American skywatchers, it won’t be a spectacle. 

On Wednesday, October 2, an annular solar eclipse will dim daylight as the moon sets itself in front of the sun to create the illusion of a ring of light in the sky. Compared to the total solar eclipse just a few months ago, it will be a much longer spectacle — lasting more than seven minutes.

The annular solar eclipse will take place on Wednesday, October 2. 

Where will the ‘ring of fire’ be visible from?

Wednesday’s annular solar eclipse will have a much smaller audience than the total solar eclipse viewed by millions in April. This is due to the path of annularity, which for October’s …