Get ready for the “Great Costa Rican Eclipse”

by Tom Schultz

As an introduction: I am an eclipse chaser. We go all over the world to see eclipses of the sun. We have chased them for 30 years from places like Mexico, Africa, Mongolia and Easter Island. In less than one year’s time, we will watch three of them. Recently, on April 19, 2023 we watched a total eclipse of the sun from a ship in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Australia. Next year, on April 6, 2024, we will watch another total eclipse in the U.S. In between is an eclipse you can witness without leaving Costa Rica.

On October 14, 2023 there will be a solar eclipse visible here in Costa Rica. It will not, however, be a total eclipse of the sun. What will occur here in Costa Rica is called an annular eclipse of the sun.

What is an annular eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth while it is at its farthest point from Earth. Because the moon is farther away from Earth, it appears smaller than the sun and does not completely cover it. This creates what is commonly referred to as the “ring of fire” effect in the sky. While not as awe-inspiring as a total eclipse, it is still very interesting and cool to witness.

Read about the Costa Rica schedule, best places, viewing tips and discover more photos: