Annular Solar Eclipse over California on October 14, 2023 

An annular solar eclipse visits the northeast corner of California. If you are inside the path of annular solar eclipse, you will see the dramatic sight of the Sun as a thin ring, almost but not completely eclipsed by the Moon. Daylight will be dimmed considerably, but not dark like a total solar eclipse. This eerie sight can be enjoyed with eclipse glasses and other safe viewing methods.

The annular solar eclipse begins in California at 9:18 am PDT with the speed of the Moon’s shadow being 5585 mph. The annular solar eclipse leaves California at 9:22 am PDT and the Moon’s shadow diminishes to 4169 mph. The maximum duration of annularity in California is 4 minutes and 39 seconds.

Scenic spots in northeast California include Lava Beds National Monument, Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. Tule Lake National Monument is a historic site which began as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp and was an internment camp for Japanese Americans. This site also served as a prisoner of war camp during World War Two.

The Surprise Valley is a scenic area with Eagleville Hot Springs being a local attraction. Lava Beds National Monument features many types of volcanic features, including a trail through an illuminated lava tube. Modoc National Forest offers recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting.

About the Annular Solar Eclipse

During an annular solar eclipse, the apparent size of the Moon’s disk is slightly smaller than the apparent size of the Sun’s disk. Therefore, only the outer edge of the Sun remains visible and the Sun appears as a brilliant ring if you are inside the path of annular solar eclipse. This is an otherworldly sight often called a “ring of fire”. Here are instructions for the safely viewing solar eclipses by the American Astronomical Society and endorsed by several professional societies.

This eclipse will be a warm-up act for the spectacle of the total solar eclipse crossing the United States just 177 days later on April 8, 2024. While not as dramatic as a total solar eclipse, an annular solar eclipse promises a spectacular vision featuring the striking sight of the Sun as a ring. We recommend solar binoculars for viewing the dynamic Baily’s Beads, sparkling points of brilliant sunlight as the Moon’s limb rolls over the Sun’s edge.

Get your eclipse glasses early! They will sell out in the weeks before eclipse day. We offer eclipse glasses which are ISO 12312-2 certified and made in the USA at www.greatamericaneclipse.com/eclipse-viewing/eclipse-viewing-glasses

Tips for viewing the annular solar eclipse

• Learn the simple methods to safely view a solar eclipse. At all times during an annular solar eclipse, you must use eclipse glasses or other safe viewing method. Visit eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety for detailed instructions.

• Plan ahead. If you choose to stay in a hotel, be aware that most will sell out. A perfect guide to planning your eclipse is our field guide, greatamericaneclipse.com/books/field-guide-to-the-2023-and-2024-solar-eclipses.

• Get to your destination early and try to spend eclipse night at or near your viewing location. Expect the highways and freeways to be extra busy in the aftermath of totality.

• Be self-sufficient. Fill up your gas tank and bring food and water.

• Check the local TV weather reports as eclipse day approaches. The meteorologists will give you great advice on viewing the eclipse and whether you may need to relocate. We recommend eclipsophile.com as the essential site for eclipse meteorology.

• Unless you are an experienced photographer, we recommend that you not attempt photography during the eclipse. You will be so stunned that it will be difficult to operate a camera. If you choose to do photography, visit Fred Espenak’s MrEclipse.com for advice.

Animation of the Annular Solar Eclipse across California

Our animation shows you exactly where the eclipse will be total, moment-by-moment. The maximum duration shown is for locations along the very center of the eclipse path. This animation is built using data from retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espenak (eclipsewise.com) and eclipse expert Xavier Jubier (xjubier.free.fr). You may freely share our maps and animations on social media and web sites, we just ask for a link to our website.

Eclipse weather in California

The essential eclipse weather website eclipsophile.com says this about the weather prospects in California: “The small wedge of the eclipse path in California crosses a high semi-desert with a rolling topography. Cloud prospects are similar to those in nearby Oregon, with average amounts ranging from 38 to 46 percent; the lowest values are along the south limit. Here again, cloud cover mimics the terrain, with higher amounts along the Nevada border east of Alturas and Goose Lake where the elevation climbs above 2200 m in the Warner Mountains.”

Our advice is to stack your odds by paying attention to short-term weather forecasts and if poor weather is forecast, jump in your car very early on eclipse day (or the evening before) and drive either to the northwest or southeast to chase after clear skies. You will never regret the effort to seek out a clear view of an annular eclipse of the Sun, it will register in your memory all your life.

Eclipse times at scenic sites in California