This Wednesday, October 2, Patagonia will take center stage for viewing an annular solar eclipse. This spectacular astronomical event, popularly known as the "ring of fire," occurs when the moon is far enough away from the Earth in its orbit that it does not appear large enough to cover the entire sun, forming what looks like a glowing, bright circle in the sky. 

 

At places such as Perito Moreno and Patagonia Park, in Argentina, and Laguna San Rafael National Park, in Chile, a variety of eclipse-related activities are planned that are already attracting tourists, astronomers, and “eclipse chasers” from all over the world.

 

Thanks to the eclipse, Patagonia Park Argentina is opening its tourist season earlier than usual this year, already providing access to the trails and other facilities. “We went from snow to this event,” said Horacio Barbieri, communications coordinator for Rewilding Argentina, which manages the park. During the week of September 28 to October 3, the park is offering a special program of activities – such as hikes, educational talks, astronomical observation and bike tours – all geared toward astro-tourism. “We hope that tourists will come to enjoy the park with all its attractions; this is a very important opportunity to make the park more well known,” says Barbieri.