Solar eclipse: Where, when and how to see the ‘ring of fire’ this weekend

See photos and videos of the solar eclipse from across central Texas!

AUSTIN, Texas - An annular eclipse will be visible over central Texas this weekend.

The rare phenomenon will take place Saturday morning, peaking just before noon.

Read on to learn more about the eclipse, when and where to view the event, navigating traffic, and more!

What is an annular eclipse?

Solar eclipse: TX prepares for ring of fire

In the U.S., the eclipse will start in Oregon and end in Texas. In San Antonio, it will start at about 11:52 a.m. and end at about 11:56 a.m.

A solar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon and earth are lined up in space, with the moon between the earth and the sun.

An annular eclipse is different from a total solar eclipse.

In a total eclipse, the moon's shadow will completely block the sun's light. For a few minutes at the peak of a total eclipse, it will look and feel like twilight.

In an annular eclipse, the moon will cover part of the sun's light, making a "ring of fire" appear in the sky around the moon's silhouette.

Where and when to see the annular eclipse

The annular solar eclipse will cross North, Central and South America on Saturday, Oct. 14. In the United States, the eclipse will begin in the United States in Oregon, passing across the American southwest and across Texas before moving on past Corpus Christi.

In central Texas, the eclipse will best be seen in Kerrville and San Antonio. Those viewing in Austin will be able to see about 90 percent coverage of the event; up to 85 percent coverage can be seen as far as College Station.

The eclipse will be most visible in central Texas between 11:50 a.m. and 11:57 a.m. Saturday afternoon, reaching its peak around 11:53 a.m.

Austin weather: Clear skies for eclipse!

Expect mostly clear skies and fair temperatures for this weekend's annular eclipse! Adaleigh Rowe has more in her full forecast.

The skies are expected to be clear the day of the eclipse, making for ideal viewing conditions.

Where to find eclipse glasses

Annular solar eclipse in central Texas

For the first time in 11 years, an annular solar eclipse will be visible from North America, including central Texas, on Saturday, and a ring of fire will appear in the sky. An optometrist tells us how to safely observe this phenomenon.

Optometrists warn that looking directly into a solar eclipse without proper eye protection could cause permanent damage to your vision, and that using traditional sunglasses will not help.

Multiple public libraries across central Texas are offering visitors free eclipse glasses to view the event, including:

Any branch location of the Austin Public Library
Bertram Library
Buda Public Library
Florence Public Library
Georgetown Public Library
Herman Brown Free Library
Johnson City Library
Taylor Public Library
Westbank Community Library

UT's eclipse celebration

The University of Texas at Austin will be holding an eclipse celebration on campus during the celestial event!

Visit the Main Mall on UT campus near the UT Tower, where the College of Natural Sciences will have demonstrations, telescopes, ice cream, food and complementary eclipse glasses for attendees.

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