The Annular Solar Eclipse of October 14, 2023

Photographed from Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Annular eclipses occur when the apparent size of the moon is not enough to completely cover the sun; the visible outer edge of the sun forms a brilliant "Ring of Fire." For this eclipse, I traveled to Rio Rancho, New Mexico and set up in a city park right on the center line in order to photograph a perfectly centered ring.

Approximately 50% partial phase - 10:10 a.m. MDT

Deep partial phase - 10:21 a.m. MDT

Approching annularity - 10:29 a.m. MDT

Start of annularity - 10:34 a.m. MDT

Mid-annularity - the Ring of Fire - 10:36 a.m. MDT

End of annularity - 10:39 a.m. MDT
Breaks in arc are called "Baily's Beads" and are caused by mountains and valleys on the edge of the moon

Partial phase after annularity - 10:57 a.m. MDT
Images of the eclipse are projected onto a sidewalk through tiny gaps between the leaves of a tree