On Wednesday, October 2, a mesmerizing annular solar eclipse took place over Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui. This special event, often referred to as a “ring of fire” eclipse, was captured in a stunning time-lapse photo by astrophotographer Josh Dury. The image shows the progression of the eclipse with one of the iconic moai statues in the foreground.
Unlike a total solar eclipse where the moon completely covers the sun, an annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon is a bit farther from Earth and appears smaller in the sky. This creates a bright hoop of light around the moon, giving it the ring of fire appearance. During the peak of the eclipse, about 90% of the sun’s visible surface is blocked by the moon, creating a breathtaking celestial display.
Josh Dury, who captured the eclipse over Easter Island, shared a composite image that shows the full transit of the moon across the sun’s face. The event lasted approximately 3.5 hours from start to finish, with the ring of fire phase lasting a little over 6 minutes. Dury explained that the image is a blend of 21 photos taken between 12:23 and 15:52 local time.
Dury’s unique vantage point was made possible by a personal friend and tour guide who granted him access to a restricted area of the national park where the moai statues are located. This allowed Dury and his mother to witness a rare astronomical event that only occurs once every few centuries. The last annular eclipse over Easter Island took place 312 years ago, making this viewing experience truly special.
Easter Island is home to approximately 1,000 human-faced moai statues, the purpose and construction of which remain a mystery. These ancient statues, some of which weigh up to 75 tons, are scattered across the island and attract tourists from around the world. Radiocarbon dating suggests that Rapa Nui has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, making it a place of rich history and cultural significance.
Located over 2,000 miles west of Chile, Easter Island is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth. Despite its isolation, thousands of people call this unique island home, primarily supporting the tourism industry centered around the enigmatic moai statues.
As we marvel at the beauty of celestial events like the annular solar eclipse over Easter Island, we are reminded of the wonders of the universe and the importance of preserving our planet’s natural and cultural heritage. These rare moments serve as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the world we inhabit, inspiring us to cherish and protect the beauty that surrounds us.
