The skies darkened, casting crescent shadows on the ground, and cheers erupted from the gathered crowds along the path of a rare "Ring of Fire" eclipse. It was a breathtaking spectacle for millions across the Americas as the moon slid into position, leaving only a brilliant circle of the sun's outer edge.
In Cancún, the planetarium was filled with eager spectators. Some used box projectors, while others peered through telescopes and special glasses. Excited children whistled, and adults raised their arms in welcome to the eclipse.
Outside, vendors selling plants watched the moon dance with the sun through the shifting light filtering through leaves, creating unique shadows on the sidewalk. Carmen Jardines, a vendor, described the moment: "There was silence, like dusk, but then, minutes later, the birds were singing again."
People shared their experiences, like Artemia Carreto, who recounted a childhood memory of the eclipse reflecting beautifully in a river. For Pilar Cáceres, the eclipse brought a sense of energy, something she believed nature bestowed upon us.
Ancient Maya astronomers, who meticulously tracked the sun and moon, referred to eclipses as "broken sun." They may have used dark volcanic glass to protect their eyes.
Unlike a total solar eclipse, the ring of fire eclipse leaves a bright, blazing border when the moon aligns with the sun, creating a spectacular sight. The entire event lasted 2 1/2 to three hours, with the ring of fire phase lasting from three to five minutes, depending on the location.
The eclipse's path spanned from the U.S. to Mexico and through parts of Central and South America. NASA and other groups live-streamed the event.
In the U.S., eclipse enthusiasts ventured to remote locations for the best view. In Albuquerque, the eclipse coincided with an international balloon fiesta, adding an extra layer of excitement.
Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah saw cheers and awe as the ring of fire appeared amid the red rock hoodoos. The experience left visitors speechless, uniting them in a shared moment.
Small towns and cities along the eclipse path had a mix of excitement, concerns about the weather, and worries about being overwhelmed by visitors.
In Colombia, astronomers helped visually impaired individuals experience the eclipse using raised maps and temperature changes. Science Minister Yesenia Olaya hoped this event would inspire children to pursue science as a lifelong project.
For many, like Juan Pablo Esguerra in Colombia and children dressed as astronauts in Mexico City, the eclipse was a spectacular experience.
In Brazil, it was the first eclipse since 1994, drawing crowds to parks and beaches to witness the phenomenon.
The next total solar eclipse will cross the U.S. in the opposite direction next April. Another ring of fire eclipse is expected in October next year in South America, with one in Antarctica in 2026. The U.S. will have to wait until 2039 for another ring of fire, with Alaska as the prime location.
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