The ‘ring of fire’ eclipse is coming but are you ready?

The annular solar eclipse is set to take place Saturday, Oct, 14, and will be visible across the United State. The solar eclipse starts in Oregon at 9:13 a.m. PDT and ends in Texas at 12:03 p.m. CDT.

Check out the FAQ:

What is an eclipse?

An eclipse takes place when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, but the moon is at the furthest point away from Earth in its orbit. According to NASA, when the moon is further away, it doesn’t completely cover the sun, creating the “ring of fire.”

Forty-eight states will be able to view part of the eclipse.

Can I look directly at an eclipse?

The short answer is no.

According to NASA, it is never safe to at the sun during an annular eclipse without special eye protection. Doing so, the agency said, could permanently damage your eyes.

Do sunglasses work to watch an eclipse?

Again, the answer is no, per NASA.

Sunglasses are not eclipse glasses.

“Safe solar viewers are thousands of times darker and ought to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard,” the space agency shares.

To watch an annular solar eclipse, you need approved solar viewing glasses (AKA eclipse glasses) or a solar viewer.

Where can I get eclipse glasses?

The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved solar-eclipse glasses suppliers.

ISO-approved glasses must meet the following requirements, per space.com,

• No more than 0.00032 percent of sunlight may be transmitted through filters.
• Filters can’t have scratches, bubbles or dents.
• Handheld viewers must cover both eyes
• Product must be labeled with manufacturer name, safe-use instructions and proper danger warnings.

Can I use a camera, binoculars or telescope?

The answer, once again, is no.

“The concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury,” NASA said.

In fact, you can’t even use a camera, telescope, binoculars even if you are wearing eclipse glasses or using a solar viewer.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.