South America: Who will be able to view Sunday’s ‘ring of fire’ solar eclipse?

A large part of South America will be treated to a "ring of fire" solar eclipse on Sunday, but only if the weather cooperates.

The moon will pass directly between the Earth and the sun on Sunday, leading to a spectacular solar eclipse across South America.

The eclipse will commence shortly after 9:10 a.m. CLST/ART along the western coast of South America before spreading eastward. The eclipse in South America will end in northeastern Brazil around 1:30 p.m., while communities in western Africa enjoy the show prior to sunset.

The greatest eclipse will span far southern parts of Chile and Argentina, including the Laguna San Rafael National Park in Chile and the Argentina communities that line the San Jorge Gulf.

Some clouds will stream over the San Jorge Gulf and its coastal communities, such as Comodoro Rivadavia. However, much of southern Argentina will have mostly clear skies which will promote ample viewing of the eclipse.

However, the moon will not block out the entire sun since this will be an annual or "ring of fire" eclipse.

“The bright ring of sunlight around the moon at the height of the annual solar eclipse is how it earned the nickname the ‘ring of fire’ eclipse,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada said.

For those who cannot make a trip south, a partial view of the eclipse will be seen northward to Bolivia and Mato Grosso and Tocantins states in Brazil.

Anyone attempting to catch a glimpse of the eclipse is reminded to never look at the sun with a naked eye.

“Viewing the sun directly can be damaging to your eyes and may cause permanent damage,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada said. “Even a pair of sunglasses is not enough to block out some of the sun’s harmful rays.”

Lada recommends sky gazers purchase a solar filter or special pair of eclipse glasses.

Residents in northern Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil will want these accessories on Sunday as nothing more than a few clouds will promote good viewing conditions.

However, that will not be the case for many larger cities in central and eastern South America.

Clouds may occasionally block the view of the eclipse in places like Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller said. However, portions of the eclipse are still expected to be visible.

More numerous clouds, along with scattered showers and thunderstorms, will hinder many attempts to catch a glimpse of the eclipse south and west of Buenos Aires in Argentina. Much of central Argentina will have poor viewing conditions, including across the provinces of Buenos Aires and La Pampa.

“Clouds will likely cause some obstructed views in Santiago, Chile, as well as Asunción, Paraguay,” Miller said.

Episodes of clouds could also occasionally block out the eclipse in Antofagasta, Chile and La Paz, Bolivia.

Those eager to see the eclipse in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília may want to consider a trip to the south towards Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday as these areas may end up mostly cloudy.

Clouds, showers and thunderstorms will cause poor viewing conditions in and around these two cities, Miller said.

Residents in Rio de Janeiro and Brasília could travel to Salvador and Recife in northeastern Brazil instead of to the south. There is a better chance to see at least a part of the eclipse due to drier weather and occasional sunshine.

However, more of the sun will be covered by the moon the farther south one travels.

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