An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, just like a total solar eclipse. But in an annular eclipse, the Moon is at the apogee of its orbit, which means it's at the furthest point it gets from the Earth. This means that the Moon appears just a tiny bit smaller than the Sun during the eclipse, making the Sun appear as a "ring of fire."

The best place to view any eclipse is in the path of totality, where you will be completely in the Moon's shadow. In Utah, the path of totality starts at Great Basin National Park on Utah's border with Nevada, and will move Southeast through Moab before it exits near the four corners. See the map below!

Any time you are viewing the sun you need protection! Whether it's solar eclipse viewing glasses or a special filter for your phone or telescope, the Sun is WAY too bright to view directly. 

Keep in mind that glasses MUST be worn during the entire eclipse in an annular eclipse, as the sun is never completely covered.

Make sure you buy glasses or filters that are ISO 12312-2 certified. This means they meet official international safety standards. This is definitely a time for Caveat Emptor!

Educator Note: The Clark Planetarium should be sending glasses should be sent to every 6th grade student in Utah.