AUSTIN (KXAN) — April’s total eclipse will be spectacular enough — fingers crossed we have good weather — but if you’re looking for something even more magical, a “double diamond ring” effect will be visible in parts of the U.S.
The diamond ring effect, actually known as Baily’s Beads, happens as the last bit of the sun is covered by the moon, and again when it first reemerges.
Baily’s Beads, named after Francis Baily, the astronomer who first widely publicized their existence, are caused by mountains, valleys and craters on the moon, according to the European Southern Observatory. The uneven edge of the moon means the sun can still shine through the lowest parts for a few moments longer than the rest of the moon.
This usually happens in one spot, but occasionally two bits of the sun are the last to be extinguished, creating the double diamond ring effect.
Cartographer Michael Zeiler, with the website GreatAmericanEclipse.com, has created maps showing which areas will witness the double ring effect.
“Seeing the rare and exquisite double diamond ring effect will enhance eclipse viewers’ experiences inside the path of totality,” Zeiler said. “Using detailed lunar topographic data from NASA and Japanese lunar orbiters, we now can predict exactly where people can see this wonder.”
In Central Texas, for example, there are several areas where the phenomenon will likely be visible, from Austin to Brady. However, according to Zeiler, the effect will be more prominent in certain spots, particularly just west of Fredericksburg and Kerrville.
The green lines show where the effect will be visible at the start of totality, while the blue lines show where it’ll be visible at the end of totality. Thicker lines indicate where the effect will be more prominent, while thin lines show where it will be more subtle.
Other Texas cities that could catch a glimpse of the effect include Eagle Pass, Waxahachie, Ennis, Terrell, and Sulphur Springs. Here’s a list of other promising locations, according to Zeiler:
- Arkansas: Hot Springs, Little Rock, and the area between Russellville and Conway
- Indiana: Vincennes, Bloomington, and New Castle
- Illinois: Carbondale and Marion
- Maine: Houlton
- Missouri: Poplar Bluff
- New York: Buffalo, Rochester, and just north of Plattsburgh
- Ohio: Wapakoneta and the southern shore of Lake Erie near Cleveland
If you want to take a closer look at specific locations, Zeiler created 14 maps in total across North America to show where the double diamond ring effect will be visible.
Remember, solar eclipse glasses are needed to safely view the eclipse. Only those people viewing the April 8 event from the path of totality will be able to briefly remove their glasses, solar filters or viewers for the 2-4 minutes when the moon completely obscures the sun. As soon as the tiniest bit of the sun becomes visible, you should immediately use your viewing device.