This October 14, 2023, Mexico It will be one of the few nations where one of the most peculiar astronomical phenomena on record can be observed: an annular solar eclipse.
This is an event that occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun, but does not completely cover the solar disk. Instead, a ring of light forms around the dark edge of our satellite, producing the visual effect of observing a “ring of fire” over the sky.
But perhaps one of the most important facts about this event, as we already commented a few months ago, is that this would be the first eclipse of its type to occur in the Mexican nation in more than 30 years.
The visual effect of the ring of fire is majestic, but looking at this phenomenon directly can cause severe damage to the eyesight of whoever does it. For this reason, there is a class of special lenses that can prevent any damage.
They are not common, nor easy to get, but the good news is that the Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM) will be giving away these glasses at a series of different events throughout the country’s capital.
How to get the glasses to see the annular solar eclipse in Mexico with the Metropolitan Autonomous University
The UAM has published through its official website the calendar of activities on the occasion of the next solar eclipse, where he will give talks, organize community activities and give away special glasses to view the phenomenon safely.
The free distribution of the lenses has been carried out in a staggered manner at various University locations throughout the month of September and the remaining days of October, under the following order of dates:
- UAM Lerma: September 8.
- UAM Azcapotzalco: September 13.
- UAM Cuajimalpa: September 19.
- UAM Iztapalapa: September 22.
- UAM Xochimilco: October 4.
- UAM General Rectorate: October 6.
In which countries in Latin America will the annular solar eclipse of October 2023 be visible?
We highly recommend consulting the official NASA website dedicated to this eclipse. A series of data and serious recommendations are compiled there, especially regarding the use of adequate eye protection.
The use of solar visors that comply with the international standard ISO 12312-2 is strongly recommended, in order to safely enjoy the event without putting the integrity of our vision at risk.
It is important to emphasize that ordinary sunglasses will not provide the necessary protection and are therefore not recommended under any circumstances. Likewise, trying to document everything with a smartphone or camera can damage your vision if the necessary preventive measures are not taken.
The annular solar eclipse will be visible in much of the United States, as well as in some states of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Brazil.